Free employer tool · 2026 NES rules
Redundancy pay,without the spreadsheet.
The minimum National Employment Standards baseline from completed service and base weekly pay. Built for Australian employers planning a redundancy process.
- Source
- Section 119, Fair Work Act 2009
- Checked
- 20 July 2026
NES baseline estimate
Updates as you type
Estimated redundancy pay $15,000, 10 weeks at $1,500 per week
Estimated redundancy pay
10 weeks × $1,500 per week· 5 to under 6 years
This is the minimum NES table calculation only. Check the applicable award, agreement, contract, consultation process and whether the employee is excluded before relying on it.
What the estimate means
A baseline, not a final payout figure
The calculator applies the redundancy table in section 119 of the Fair Work Act. It does not decide whether the redundancy is genuine or whether an exception, award, enterprise agreement or contract changes the employee's entitlement.
| Completed service | Pay |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 weeks |
| 1 to less than 2 years | 4 weeks |
| 2 to less than 3 years | 6 weeks |
| 3 to less than 4 years | 7 weeks |
| 4 to less than 5 years | 8 weeks |
| 5 to less than 6 years | 10 weeks |
| 6 to less than 7 years | 11 weeks |
| 7 to less than 8 years | 13 weeks |
| 8 to less than 9 years | 14 weeks |
| 9 to less than 10 years | 16 weeksPeak |
| 10 years or more† | 12 weeks |
† Yes, it really drops. The NES table peaks at 9 to 10 years, then falls to 12 weeks, a quirk that reflects long service leave entitlements.
Before relying on the number
Check the facts the calculator cannot see
01
Small business rules
Employers with fewer than 15 employees are generally exempt from NES redundancy pay, but some awards contain industry-specific exceptions. Headcount rules also require care.
02
Base pay only
The NES calculation uses the employee's base rate for ordinary hours. It excludes incentive payments, bonuses, loadings, allowances, overtime and penalty rates.
03
Process still matters
A payment estimate does not make a redundancy genuine. Employers should check consultation, redeployment, selection and notice obligations before termination.
04
Other amounts are separate
Notice, accrued annual leave, long service leave, contractual payments and tax treatment are outside this calculator.
Primary sources: Fair Work Ombudsman redundancy pay and exclusions and small business rules.
Planning a redundancy?
Get the process right before the termination letter goes out.
Our employment lawyers can help with the genuine redundancy analysis, consultation, redeployment, employee communications and termination documents. Fixed fees, no hourly rates.