The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Award for 2023–24 has been issued by the Fair Work Commission, effective from 1 July.
Providers are reminded to stay vigilant about their employer obligations under the SCHADS Award, ensuring staff receive at least the minimum entitlements. With updates to modern awards, it’s essential to revise your payroll systems to avoid breaches.
Additionally, wage increases necessitate corresponding rises in allowances. Failing to adjust allowances appropriately constitutes underpayment. Penalties and back-pay liabilities for underpayments are at an all-time high, even for inadvertent mistakes.
| Overview of the SCHADS Award 2024 The Social, Community, Home Care, and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award) sets out the minimum employment standards for various roles within the social and community services sector, including charities, not-for-profits, and NDIS providers. Why is understanding the SCHADS Award important? 1. Compliance and Risk Management: Aligning your business practices with the SCHADS Award helps avoid legal and financial penalties. 2. Fairness and Workplace Culture: Transparency regarding pay, working conditions, and entitlements promotes a positive and fair work environment. 3. Ethical Reputation: Being recognized as an ethical and compliant employer enhances your business’s reputation. For assistance with understanding your obligations under the SCHADS Award, contact us anytime at 1300 144 002. |
Table of Contents
Classifications and Employment Levels under the SCHADS Award
The SCHADS Award classifications and employment levels are based on employees’ qualifications, experience, and primary duties. The minimum wage rates are divided into four groups:
- Social and Community Services Employees
- Crisis Accommodation Employees
- Family Day Care Employees
- Home Care Employees
| $1700 GIS Coming In 2024 |
| Social Security Tax Limit Update 2024 |
| $1,606 Canada Disability Benefit |
| $500 Housing Benefit in Canada |
| $291 SNAP Payments In These States |
SCHADS Award Pay Rates for 2023
The following table details the SCHADS Award rates for 2023:
| SCHADS Award Classification | Minimum Full-Time Weekly Wage | Hourly Rate | Casual Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2.1 | $1223.85 | $32.21 | $40.26 |
| Level 2.2 | $1262.23 | $33.22 | $41.52 |
| Level 2.3 | $1300.60 | $34.23 | $42.78 |
| Level 2.4 | $1335.29 | $35.14 | $43.92 |
| Level 3.1 | $1367.86 | $36.00 | $45.00 |
| Level 3.2 | $1407.17 | $37.03 | $46.29 |
| Level 3.3 | $1437.28 | $37.82 | $47.28 |
| Level 3.4 | $1466.77 | $38.60 | $48.25 |
| Level 4.1 | $1577.80 | $41.52 | $51.90 |
| Level 4.2 | $1618.98 | $42.60 | $53.26 |
| Level 4.3 | $1660.56 | $43.70 | $54.62 |
SCHADS Award Pay Rates for 2024
Projections indicate a general increase of approximately 4 to 5% in SCHADS Award pay rates starting from 1 July 2024. These rates are expected to align with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which recorded an inflation rate of 4.3% over the preceding year. Employers and employees in the SCHADS sector should stay informed about these potential changes to ensure fair and competitive compensation standards.
For precise and current information regarding SCHADS Award pay rates in 2024, it’s advisable to monitor official updates or subscribe to relevant email notifications.
Determining Applicable Pay Rates
Understanding which pay rates apply involves several key steps:
a) Identify the SCHADS Award sub-classification based on job duties or descriptions. b) Determine the employee’s pay point or level by assessing their experience and industry-related training. Generally, more experience correlates with a higher level. c) Establish the employee’s type (e.g., full-time, casual, shift worker).
SCHADS Award Classifications
The SCHADS Award pay rates are organized as follows:
Four Sectors:
- Social and Community Services
- Crisis Assistance and Accommodation
- Family Day Care
- Home Care
Pay Point Levels:
- Social and Community Services: 8 levels (Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 have 4 pay points each).
- Crisis Assistance and Accommodation: 4 levels (Level 1 and Level 2 have 4 pay points; Level 3 and Level 4 have 3 pay points).
- Family Day Care: 5 levels (each level has 4 pay points).
- Home Care: 5 levels (each level has 2 pay points, except for Level 1 which has 1 pay point).
Ordinary Hours of Work
Under the SCHADS Award, ordinary work hours for a day worker are between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. The standard work week is 38 hours, averaged over:
- A week of five days with shifts not exceeding 8 hours
- A fortnight of 76 hours with 10 shifts not exceeding 8 hours each
- Four weeks of 152 hours with 19 shifts of 8 hours each
Shifts can extend to 10 hours if agreed in writing.
SCHADS Award Minimum Wage
Minimum wages under the SCHADS Award vary based on:
- Day-to-day functions and responsibilities
- Occupation level
- Qualifications and experience
- Length of employment with the current employer
Higher classification levels correspond to higher pay rates.
SCHADS Award Allowances
| Allowance Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Broken Shift Allowance | |
| – 1 unpaid break | $20.12 per broken shift |
| – 2 unpaid breaks | $26.63 per broken shift |
| First Aid Allowance | |
| – Full-time | $19.76 per week |
| – Part-time or casual | $0.52 per hour up to a maximum of $19.76 per week |
| Hot Work Allowance | |
| – 40°C-46°C (employed before 8 August 1991) | $0.59 per hour |
| – Over 46°C (employed before 8 August 1991) | $0.71 per hour |
| Laundry Allowance | |
| – Uniform | $0.32 per shift up to a maximum of $1.49 per week |
| – Not a uniform | $0.32 per shift |
| Meal Allowance | $16.20 per meal |
| On Call Allowance | |
| – Any 24-hour period (Mon-Fri) | $23.67 |
| – Any other 24-hour period or public holiday | $46.87 |
| Sleepover Allowance | $57.99 per sleepover |
| Special/Protective Clothing Reimbursement | Reimbursement for rubber gloves, special clothing, or safety equipment required by the employer |
| Uniform Allowance | $1.23 per shift up to a maximum of $6.24 per week |
| Repair and Replacement of Clothing (Not Uniform) | – Maintain telephone (on-call) |
| Telephone Reimbursement | |
| – Install and maintain telephone (on-call) | Reimbursement for rental charges |
| Reimbursement for the agreed cost of fares, meals, and accommodation | Reimbursement for installation and rental charges |
| Overnight Away from Home Reimbursement | Reimbursement for reasonable accommodation and meals |
| Travelling Expenses Reimbursement | – Any 24 hours (Mon-Fri) |
| Vehicle Allowance | $0.99 per km |
Schads Award Pay Rates 2024 PDF
Impact on Workers under the SCHADS Award
Positive Impact for Direct Care Workers: The SCHADS Award changes are likely to benefit direct care workers through increased entitlements such as leave, payroll, workers’ compensation, and superannuation, enhancing their well-being and financial stability.
Negative Impact for Non-Care Workers: Non-care workers may not see similar benefits from the SCHADS Award changes, potentially leading to disparities, dissatisfaction, and decreased morale among non-care workers who may feel undervalued compared to their care worker counterparts.
For more info, you can visit Fair Work Ombudsman Official Website
Conclusion
The updated SCHADS Award rates emphasize the need for providers to stay informed and compliant. The adjustments, including a general wage increase and revised allowances, aim to better reflect the cost of living and ensure fair compensation. Employers should promptly update their payroll systems to incorporate these changes and review staff classifications to prevent breaches. Ensuring accurate and timely adjustments will help avoid penalties and foster a fair work environment in the SCHADS sector. For detailed updates, consulting the Fair Work Ombudsman’s resources is recommended.
FAQs
What are the key changes in the SCHADS Award rates for 2024?
The SCHADS Award rates for 2024 include a general increase of 4-5% in pay rates and updated allowances, aligning with the Consumer Price Index to better reflect current living costs.
How should employers adjust their payroll systems for the new SCHADS Award rates?
Employers should update their payroll systems to reflect the new pay rates and allowances, review staff classifications, and ensure all entitlements are accurately calculated to avoid underpayment.
What are the penalties for not complying with the new SCHADS Award rates?
Penalties for non-compliance can be significant, including fines and back-pay liabilities. Ensuring accurate pay rates and allowances are crucial to avoid these costly repercussions.