Retail groups react to Fair Work Commission's 2.5% wage increase By Imogen Bailey | 17 June 2021 Retail groups have expressed their concern over the Fair Work Commission's (FWC) decision to increase the minimum wage. The FWC handed down its decision yesterday, announcing that the national minimum wage (NMW) would increase by 2.5% from July 01 2021. However, retailers covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2020 have been granted a delayed commencement date to September 01 2021. Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said that while a delayed start date is welcomed, the increase still puts pressure on retailers recovering from the pandemic. "Whilst we appreciate the FWC delaying the increase for retailers, which is in line with the ARA’s advocacy, the timing of the increase remains a significant concern coming only months after the previous increase and just ahead of the critical Christmas trading period which is the most expansive employment period for retailers," he said.