Home topics news Image Credit: COSBOA News News Adults aged 18 and over can no longer be paid junior rates. Here is what that means Yajush Gupta April 2, 2026 The Fair Work Commission has abolished junior pay rates for workers aged 18 and over in retail, fast food and pharmacy. What’s happening : The Fair Work Commission’s full bench has ruled to abolish junior pay rates for workers aged 18 and over in the general retail, fast food and pharmacy sectors. Why this matters : The phased implementation gives businesses time to adjust, but the planning needs to start now. Combined with the proposed above-inflation minimum wage increase and rising costs across fuel, energy and insurance, this is another significant financial variable for small employers to factor into their workforce and pricing strategies. The Fair Work Commission has made a landmark ruling that will see junior pay rates abolished for adult workers aged 18 and over across the general retail, fast food and pharmacy sectors. The decision by the commission’s full bench will affect around 500,000 workers employed at major retailers and fast food operators, as well as the thousands of independent small businesses operating under the relevant industry awards. Under the current award structure, workers aged 20 are paid 90% of the adult rate, 19-year-olds receive 80% and 18-year-olds receive 70%. Those rates will be phased out over four years, moving affected workers to the full adult rate. Workers aged 18 to 20 will need to have been