PHARMACIES PLAN TO OPEN LONGER HEALTHY CHANGE

TOWNSVILLE pharmacies could now be open longer on Sundays with more staff rostered on after the Fair Work Commission cut penalty rates.

Under the changes, full- time and part- time pharmacy employees will have their Sunday penalty rates cut from 200 per cent to 150 per cent between the hours of 7am and 9pm.

Casuals will get paid 25 per cent more than part- timers, with their Sunday rate being reduced from 200 per cent to 175 per cent.

Townsville businessman Ash Agaibey owns the Belgian Gardens Chemmart Compounding Pharmacy on Bundock St and the Townsville City Chemmart Pharmacy in Flinders St.

He said the cost of paying staff wages on Sunday had restricted their trading hours but he was now consider- ing increasing his opening hours and staff levels. Mr Agaibey, who opens both pharmacies on a Sunday, said previously he had rostered on as few staff as possible to try to reduce overheads.

“The cost of wages on a Sunday is usually an issue,” he said. “We have the Sunday markets so we open Sundays and we’re happy with Sundays but staff costings has always been an issue.”

The Fair Work Commission announced on Thursday that Sunday penalty rates would be reduced for hospitality, fast food and retail workers in a landmark decision.

Most Townsville businesses welcomed the changes, saying could boost Sunday trade.

Hospitality workers will have their Sunday rate cute by 25 per cent to 150, retail workers have had their penalty reduced from 200 to 150 per cent and fast food workers will be paid 125 per cent loading instead of 150. >> For more information on pen

alty rates visit www. fair work. gov. au/ pay/ penalty- rates

and- allowances have they