Starting a new job can be exciting – and a bit overwhelming. Alongside learning new skills and meeting new people, it’s important to understand your rights at work. Knowing about your entitlements means you can make sure you’re being paid fairly, you’re receiving the benefits you’re entitled to, and you can plan for your future with confidence.
1. Understanding your pay
Every time you get paid, your employer must give you a pay slip – either on paper or electronically – within one working day of payment.
Your pay slip should include:
- Your name and your employer’s name
- The date of payment and the pay period it covers
- Your hourly rate or salary
- Hours worked (if paid hourly)
- Any overtime hours and rates
- Gross pay (before tax) and net pay (after tax)
- Tax withheld
- Any allowances, bonuses, or loadings (e.g., weekend penalty rates)
- Superannuation contributions and the fund name
💡 Tip: Check your pay slip regularly. If something doesn’t look right, ask your employer or a trusted support person to explain it.
2. Superannuation basics
Superannuation (or “super”) is money your employer must pay into your chosen super fund to help you save for retirement.
Key points:
- In most cases, your employer must pay at least 11.5% of your ordinary earnings into your super fund.
- You get to choose your own fund (if you don’t choose, your employer will put it into their default fund).
- You can check your super contributions on your pay slip and by logging into your super account.
- If you’re earning less than $450 a month, or are under 18 and working less than 30 hours a week, special rules may apply – but in most cases you’re still entitled to super.
💡 Tip: If you have more than one super fund, you can combine them to avoid paying multiple sets of fees.
3. Leave entitlements
In Australia, most employees are entitled to different types of leave – paid or unpaid – depending on their employment type and the hours they work.
Common types include:
- Annual leave
- Personal/carer’s leave
- Public holidays
- Community service leave
- Parental leave
💡 Tip: Your pay slip won’t always show your leave balance, ask your employer or check your employee portal to keep track.
4. Where to get help
If you’re unsure about your pay or entitlements:
- Fair Work Ombudsman – www.fairwork.gov.au or 13 13 94
- JobAccess – www.jobaccess.gov.au or 1800 464 800
- Ask your HR department or a trusted support person
Understanding your workplace entitlements isn’t just about reading a pay slip – it’s about knowing your rights, protecting your income, and planning for your future. When you feel confident about what you’re entitled to, you can focus on building your career and enjoying the rewards of your hard work.
About Jigsaw
Jigsaw is a social enterprise that provides an innovative pathway to mainstream employment for people with disability. By embedding a comprehensive skill-based training program within our commercial document and data management business, Jigsaw enables people with disability to achieve their employment goals at their own pace. Jigsaw’s holistic approach starts from the very basics of core work skills and supports trainees all the way through to transition to open employment with ongoing support and coaching once they have transitioned. Jigsaw is located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra.