More than 1.5 million workers on award wages, including adult and junior employees, trainees, apprentices, employees with a disability and workers receiving piece rates, will now receive a higher wage.

On July 1, 2013, the minimum wage increased by 2.6 per cent, a decision made in June by the Annual Wage Review. The National Minimum Wage has increased to $16.37 per hour, or $622.20 per week, for adult workers.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell said employers should be aware how the new pay rates affect business.

“A common cause of many underpayments is employers not passing on annual wage increases, which can lead to large underpayments if left unchecked,” he said.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has a range of tools and resources available on its website, www.fairwork.gov.au, which has been updated to reflect the July 1 changes to help employers determine the new pay rates and for workers to check their entitlements.

Award Finder and PayCheck Plus can help determine the applicable modern award for an employee’s industry and occupation, as well as the applicable classification and pay rates, including base pay rates, allowances, overtime and penalty rates.

Some annually indexed figures also increased in July. For example, the high-income threshold for modern awards increases to $129,300, which may affect award application and access to unfair dismissal protections for some employees.

Employers or employees seeking further assistance can also contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.