The Fair Work Commission has postponed a ruling on whether to reduce Sunday rates in line with rates on Saturday for certain industries, instead scheduling an additional hearing later this month.
Australian Retailers Association Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said he was still hopeful of a positive decision on penalty rates.
“We now expect the decision to be handed down in mid- to late-December, with a small chance that it will be delayed until early 2017,” he said.
“We have led the case and believe we have presented a compelling argument for change, and we are confident that the outcome will be a positive one for retailers as we near the conclusion of the Fair Work Commission case”.
Mr Zimmerman says sustainable penalty rate levels will drive additional employment within the retail sector, allowing employers to expand operating hours and employment for stores.
