The government reviews the minimum wage each year. On 1 April 2017 the adult minimum wage increased from $15.25 per hour to $15.75 per hour. The starting out and training minimum wage increased from $12.20 per hour to $12.60 per hour.

We recommend you review all wage and salary structures to ensure your employees are paid at least the minimum wage at all times for hours worked.

It is well known that work required on the farm fluctuates throughout the year. You must ensure that your employees are receiving at least the applicable minimum wage rate for any hours worked at all times. This is the case even when your employees are paid a salary.

This may mean your employees' pay needs to be topped up at certain times of the year to ensure they are paid at least the applicable minimum wage for the hours worked.

Keeping and maintaining accurate time and wage records is vitally important and a legal requirement of employers.