Casual, part-time & full-time
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently handed down a decision proposing to change some entitlements for casual and part-time employees in a number of awards. This includes adding casual conversion provisions in 85 awards.
These changes aren’t finalised, so they don’t apply yet. We’ll update this website with more information when it applies. In the meantime you can read the summary of the decision 
or the full decision
on the FWC’s website.
An employee, including a shiftworker, can be hired as:
It is important to know the type of employment because pay rates, leave and other entitlements are different.
Fixed term contract employees
Fixed term contract employees are employed for a specific period of time or task. For example a 6 month contract where employment ends after 6 months.
Fixed term employees are different to permanent employees who are employed on an ongoing basis until the employer or employee ends the employment relationship.
Fixed term contract employees are usually full-time or part-time employees.
Full-time or part-time fixed term employees are generally entitled to the same wages, penalties and leave as permanent employees. An award or registered agreement may provide extra terms and conditions for a fixed term employee.
Best practice tip
Make sure new employees know their:
- employment status
- full-time, part-time or casual
- permanent or fixed term contract
- classification level
- hours of work
- pay rate.
This information is included in our letter of engagement templates:
Visit our Online learning centre
to take our Hiring employees short course and download free hiring resources.
Think a mistake might have been made?
Mistakes can happen. The best way to fix them usually starts with talking.
Check out our Help resolving workplace issues section for practical advice on:
- figuring out if a mistake has been made
- talking to your employer or employee about fixing it
- getting help from us if you can't resolve it.
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