Choosing between casual and permanent employment can have significant implications for your workplace rights and entitlements. In Queensland, understanding the key differences between these employment types is essential to ensuring you receive the correct benefits and protections. Whether you’re an employee or employer, a workplace lawyer in Cairns can help clarify your legal position.
Casual Employment: Flexibility with Fewer Entitlements
Casual employees enjoy flexibility, with no guaranteed hours and the ability to accept or decline shifts. In exchange for this flexibility, they receive a higher hourly wage (casual loading) to compensate for the lack of entitlements like paid leave. However, casual workers still have rights, including:
- A safe workplace
- Protection from unfair dismissal in certain cases
- Unpaid carer’s leave and compassionate leave
- Casual conversion rights (eligibility to become permanent after regular work patterns over 12 months)
If you’re unsure about your casual employment rights, consulting a workplace lawyer in Cairns can provide clarity.
Permanent Employment: Stability with Additional Benefits
Permanent employees, whether full-time or part-time, have greater job security and access to key entitlements, including:
- Paid annual leave and sick leave
- Redundancy pay (for eligible employees)
- Parental leave
- Notice of termination and unfair dismissal protection
Full-time employees typically work 38 hours per week, while part-time employees work fewer but still receive pro-rata benefits.
Key Legal Protections for Both Employment Types
Regardless of whether you’re casual or permanent, Queensland workplace laws protect you against discrimination, unfair dismissal (in some cases for casuals), and underpayment. Misclassification—where an employee is wrongly designated as casual instead of permanent—can lead to legal disputes. If you believe your employment type has been misrepresented, seeking advice from a workplace lawyer in Cairns can help.
Need Legal Advice? Contact WGC Lawyers Today
Employment laws can be complex, and understanding your rights is crucial to protecting your income and job security. Whether you need guidance on casual conversion, unfair dismissal, or entitlements, the experienced team at WGC Lawyers is here to help.
For expert legal advice on workplace matters, contact WGC Lawyers in Cairns today.