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Fairness @ work
Payslips, deductions and timesheets
Payslips
Payslips must be given to each employee when the employer makes a payment of wages.
An employee should receive their pay and payslip on a regular ‘payday’.
The correct award, enterprise agreement or Section 102 of the State Fair Work Act 1994 should be looked at for more detail regarding any other requirements (including time and wages record keeping) relating to the payment of wages.
Payslips assist employers and employees if a dispute arises over wages or hours of work.
If an employee is not receiving regular payslips, they should discuss with their employer.
If the situation is not fixed they should contact SafeWork SA.
Employee deductions
An employer must deduct money for taxation and may also be required by law to deduct money as ordered by a court for child support or for other purposes. An employer may also deduct money from an employee’s termination pay if they leave without providing a required notice period.
An employer must have an employee’s written permission to deduct money for any other reason than those listed above. Written consent needs to include the amount of the deduction approved by the employee, the reason for the deduction and when the deduction will occur. Refer to Section 68 of the State Fair Work Act 1994.
Timesheets or work diary
It is a good idea to keep a work diary as a record of events. You may need to refer to it in the future if you feel you are being underpaid or are having some problems at work.
At the very least, you should record your start and finish times and any unpaid meal breaks taken.
It is also a good idea to record:
- any leave taken
- who you work for (supervisor, other workers)
- any critical or unwanted incidents (harassment, equipment breakdowns, unsafe work conditions)
- important conversations
- work expenses
- significant workplace achievements and events.
Last updated: 21 October, 2010
Telephone 1300 365 255
Employers and employees within South Australia can contact their local SafeWork SA office, or the Help Centre, for the cost of a local call. This service is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and on Wednesdays from 8.30am to 4.15pm (excluding public holidays)
Email: help@safework.sa.gov.au
