Understanding Lawful Methods of Payment

Employees must be paid in money using an approved payment method. Replacing wages with benefits such as food, accommodation, products, gift cards, services, discounts or store credit is generally unlawful, although non-cash benefits may be provided in addition to wages.

Unrecorded payments, missing payslips and payment arrangements that ignore overtime, penalty rates or allowances can expose employers to underpayment claims, wage theft concerns and other compliance risks.