A casual employment contract is fundamentally different to either a permanent or fixed term arrangement. Very few employers, or employees, have taken the time to fully understand the consequences of casual employment.
What does it mean to be a casual employee?
Casual employees are those who do not have a certain or fixed commitment with their employer. Hours worked are not regular and casual employees have the right to swap shifts or refuse work rostered by their employer. Also, casual employees are not entitled to sick or annual leave. However, they are able to end their employment without notice, with the exception that there is a contract, agreement or award which requires notice.
Casual employment contracts vs permanent employment contracts
There are many key differences between a casual and a permanent contract:-
| Casual | Full-time | |
| Employment | Not regular | Ongoing or fixed employment |
| Hours | Hours are not regular, higher hourly rate than equivalent permanent employees | Regular hours |
| Sick/annual leave | No | Yes |
| Penalty Rates | Yes | No |
Employees who sign casual employment contracts with their employer should ensure that their hourly rate is compliant with the Award that they are under. The hourly rate should be higher than the equivalent of full-time and part-time employees (generally by 25%). It is also necessary to check whether penalty rates apply under the specific Award, specifically if you are working on a public holiday or on a Sunday.
Another benefit for a casual employee relates to notice. It is not necessary to provide notice to your employer if you want to end your casual employment. However, it is essential to check whether anything in the contract you have signed says to the contrary.
As a casual employee, you are not entitled to annual or sick leave.
Let’s look at an example of a casual employment contract
Vivienne is hired by TennisWorks to provide tennis lessons to a group of 3 students. She signs a contract which states that she is paid an hourly rate of $26 from Monday to Friday, $28/hour on Saturday, and $32/hour on Sundays. She agrees with her employer to work 3 shifts a week, with no preference in days. However, if there are not enough students for the shift she does not work. Her contract also states that her shifts are irregular and uncertain, and there is no guarantee of continuous work. She is employed as a casual worker.
Contact JFMAndreyev on (02) 9199 8597 for a no obligation chat about casual employment contracts. If you would rather get in contact through email, send your question through or by email at wehelp@jfmandreyev.com.au.
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