"In the Fair Work Commission's major Penalty Rates Decision last year, that lowered Sunday and public holiday penalty rates in the retail, fast food, hospitality and pharmacy industries, the Commission announced that penalty rates would be reviewed in the hair and beauty industry.
"There are obvious similarities between the hair and beauty industry and the retail and pharmacy industries:
- Businesses in each of these industries predominately sell to consumers;
- A large range of hair and beauty products are sold by businesses in each of the industries;
- Businesses in each industry operate from similar locations, such as shopping strips and shopping malls;
- The opening hours of businesses in the three industries are often similar; and
- Lease arrangements for businesses in each industry are similar, with many businesses required by the terms of their leases to open on Sundays.
"For the same reasons that Sunday and public holiday penalty rates have been adjusted in the retail, fast food, hospitality and pharmacy industries, penalty rates need to be adjusted in the hair and beauty industry. The existing penalty rates are no longer fair or relevant in contemporary workplaces.
"HABA is seeking a modest reduction in Sunday penalty rates from double time to time and one half, and in public holiday rates from double time and one half to double time and one quarter.
"Hearings in the case will take place before a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission later this year," said Mr Willox.
Submission of Ai Group Workplace Lawyers on behalf of HABA
Media enquiries: Tony Melville – 0419 190 347
