Hospo 101: Know Your Rights

Jul 02, 2024

Congratulations on taking the exciting step to enter the workforce and kickstart your career! We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let's start with your legal rights and responsibilities, or simply put, what your boss can’t force you to do at work.
 

Legal Working Age: There are specific workplace laws for young workers that all employers must follow. First, ensure you’re above the legal working age in your state. For example, in NSW, there’s no age limit to start work, but under 15s have restrictions on hours. In Queensland, you must be over 13, and in Victoria, over 15 to work in hospitality. For more details on your state's rules, click here.
 

Pay Rate:  It should align with the relevant industry ‘award’, which is a rule book for your industry, like hospitality. Pay rates increase with age until you’re 21. Use this tool to calculate your pay rate. Learn more about junior pay rates here.
 

Bullying and Harassment: Young workers can be vulnerable due to inexperience. Know your rights and ensure you're treated with respect at work. Bullying and harassment, whether physical or psychological, is unlawful. Learn more about workplace bullying and harassment here.
 

Apprenticeships/Traineeships: Your boss might ask for an ‘unpaid trial’, which is legal unless it’s unnecessary, too long, involves more than skill demonstration, or isn’t supervised. For apprenticeships or traineeships, a formal Training Agreement is needed, and pay is based on your training progress. Learn more about apprenticeships and traineeships here.
 

Check out these helpful resources: too: Fair Work Information Statement, Casual Employment Information Statement, Starting a new job online course, Difficult Conversations in the Work Place Employee Course.
 

It's going to be an exciting time for you! We're keen to see your journey into the world of hospitality. 😉