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Fairness @ work
Full time, part time and casual work
The difference between full-time, part-time and casual work?
Full-time
If you are a full-time employee, you will generally work 38 hours per week.
Your employer must pay you for a full week’s work and provide you with entitlements, including annual leave and sick leave.
Part-time
If you are a part-time employee, you will work regular hours each week, but less than a full-time employee.
You are usually given the same benefits as full-time employees, but proportionally on the basis of the hours you work (known as 'pro rata').
Casual
Casuals are employed on an hourly or daily basis and don’t usually get paid sick leave or annual leave. The rates of pay are generally higher (with a casual loading, often 20 or 25%) to make up for this.
Casual workers are less likely to have regular or guaranteed hours of work, but are generally engaged for a minimum of three hours on each shift. Check the specific award applicable to the work for further details.
Last updated: 21 October, 2010
Telephone 1300 365 255
Employers and employees within South Australia can contact their local SafeWork SA office, or the Help Centre, for the cost of a local call. This service is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and on Wednesdays from 8.30am to 4.15pm (excluding public holidays)
Email: help@safework.sa.gov.au
