Laundry allowance is provided for under the General Retail Industry Award under the special clothing allowance.
Special clothing is defined as any article of clothing (including uniform, waterproof or other protective clothing) that the employer requires the employee to wear or that it is necessary for the employee to wear.
The employer must reimburse an employee who is required to wear special clothing for the cost of purchasing any such clothing (including purchasing replacement clothing due to normal wear and tear) that is not supplied or paid for by the employer.
If the employee is responsible for laundering any special clothing that is required to be worn by them, the employer must pay the employee a laundry allowance of:
- $6.25 per week or a full-time employee; and
- $1.25 per shift for a part-time or casual employee.
For further information or advice regarding laundry allowance entitlements, please contact our Employment Law team on 1800 888 479 or legal@mga.asn.au
