Salary Reduction Letter

This Notice of Reduction of Salary is a letter explaining that you are reducing an employee’s pay when your business is facing challenging times.

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Last updated January 29, 2025

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Suitable for Australia

Salary Reduction Letter

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What is a salary reduction letter?

A salary reduction letter is a written notice to an employee explaining that their pay will be reduced, usually due to business challenges or financial difficulties.
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When should you use a salary reduction letter?

You should use this letter when you need to formally notify an employee of a pay cut for reasons unrelated to their performance, ensuring proper documentation and communication.
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What should be in a salary reduction letter?

It should state the reason for the pay cut, the new salary amount, the effective date, and request the employee’s written agreement to the change.
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Frequently asked questions

What is a salary reduction letter?

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When should you use a salary reduction letter?

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What should be in a salary reduction letter?

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What protections does this document provide my business?

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Are there any legal risks in reducing an employee’s salary?

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Can I use this letter for performance-related pay reductions?

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What should I do after issuing the notice?

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View Sample Salary Reduction Letter

Salary Reduction Letter
risk level indicator at Medium level

The Legal Risk Score of a Salary Reduction Letter Template is Medium

Our legal team have marked this document as medium risk considering:

  • Reducing employee salaries may lead to decreased morale and productivity, which could affect the overall performance of the business.
  • There is a risk of increased employee turnover as individuals may seek higher-paying opportunities elsewhere in response to the salary reductions.
  • If not done properly, this process could create a breach of the Fair Work Act.

Articles about Salary Reduction Letter

Is it Legal to Reduce an Employee’s Salary?
By Chloe Yoo|Sep 28, 2020

Is it Legal to Reduce an Employee’s Salary?

Reduced cashflow and a tough economic climate may make you consider reducing an employee's salary. Find out if it's legal here.

How To Avoid Legal Trouble When Reducing an Employee's Pay
By Ilyas Omari|May 20, 2025

How To Avoid Legal Trouble When Reducing an Employee's Pay

Are you considering reducing an employee's pay? Check out this article to find out how you can do this legally!

How does Salary Sacrifice work?
By Naga Vamaraju|Apr 11, 2019

How does Salary Sacrifice work?

Salary sacrifice allows you to increase your retirement fund. This article sets out some limitations on salary sacrifice you should be aware of.

Is It Legal to Demote an Employee?
By Laura Worrad|Dec 8, 2019

Is It Legal to Demote an Employee?

Have you recently been demoted? Are you unsure if it is legal? Read our guide on whether it is legal to demote an employee.

What Costs Can An Employee Salary Sacrifice?
By Shantelle Dang|Feb 21, 2024

What Costs Can An Employee Salary Sacrifice?

A salary sacrifice occurs where an employee relinquishes a portion of their paid salary to pay for another expense (such as a car). Find out more here.

Fairfax Digital Distribution Sees 120 Journalist Cuts
By Sharlene Han|Nov 21, 2025

Fairfax Digital Distribution Sees 120 Journalist Cuts

Digital distribution leaves 120 unemployed. Who's next?

Resigning During Probation: How Much Notice? (2025 Update)
By Ilyas Omari|Nov 20, 2025

Resigning During Probation: How Much Notice? (2025 Update)

Resigning during probation might seem like a simple process. In reality, there's much more to it. Here's what you need to know.

How to Distinguish Misconduct from Poor Performance
By Jackie Olling|Nov 26, 2025

How to Distinguish Misconduct from Poor Performance

Poor performance and misconduct can both severely impact your business. Find out how to differentiate between them in this article.

Resigning Without Notice: Can Employers Withhold Pay?
By Cecilia Tran|Nov 21, 2025

Resigning Without Notice: Can Employers Withhold Pay?

Are you entitled to withhold an employee’s entitlements if they resign without notice? What are the legal implications? Read our guide to find out more.

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