Workers can be employed on a full-time, part-time or casual basis. Before you start work, your employer should tell you which category you fall under. You need to know the arrangement you are employed under as it will make a difference to the workplace conditions and rate of pay you are entitled to.

Always check your own award or agreement for details of your workplace conditions.

Full-time workers are permanent employees with a guarantee of on-going employment.

As a full-time worker you will:

• Receive at least the minimum wage. There are different levels of pay in most awards and agreements and each level has its own minimum pay rate.
• Be employed weekly. At least one week’s notice of termination must be given by either the employer (if there will be no more work) or by the worker (if intending to leave).
• Usually work for 38 hours each week.
• Have cumulative sick leave entitlements of at least five days each year.
• Receive four weeks of paid annual leave. Some workers are entitled to a paid leave loading (a pay bonus when you are on annual leave). Check your award or agreement to see if this applies to you.
  

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Part-time workers are permanent employees with a guarantee of on-going employment.

As a part-time worker you will:

• Receive at least the minimum wage. There are different levels of pay in most awards and agreements and each level has its own minimum pay rate.
• At least one week’s notice of termination must be given by either the employer (if there will be no more work) or by the worker (if intending to leave).
• Work for fewer than 38 hours each week, usually between eight and 36 hours.
• Have cumulative sick leave entitlements. Sick leave is calculated at a pro-rata or percentage rate based on the number of hours you work.
• Receive four weeks of paid annual leave at the normal rate of pay. For example, someone working three days per week will have four weeks off work and will receive their usual three days’ pay for each week they are on leave. Some part-time workers also receive a paid leave loading (a pay bonus when on annual leave). Check your award or agreement to see if this applies to you.
  

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Casual workers are not permanent employees so there is no guarantee of on-going employment.

As a casual worker you will:

• Receive the minimum wage plus an additional payment called a ‘loading’ (usually around 20% extra). This is to make up for not receiving other entitlements such as paid leave
• Be employed on an hourly basis. No advance notice of termination is required
• Work for a ‘minimum engagement’ period that is usually around three hours. It is important to check your award or agreement because this can vary.

If you are employed under a state award you may have the right to ask to be made permanent after six months of continuous service.

Casual workers who are employed on an on-going basis may be entitled to long service leave after 10 years of service or pro-rata long service leave after five years of service (working for the same employer).

Some casual workers also have the right to apply for additional (unpaid) leave including parental, personal carers and bereavement leave.

Again, check your award or agreement to see if these entitlements apply to you.

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