What is the Difference Between Casual and Part-Time?

Do you know the difference between casual and part-time work?

I spoke with a young person recently who is looking for work outside school hours. I asked her how she went after submitting her resume and application at a large retail organisation.

She said that she received an email requesting an interview for a casual position, however, she did not pursue it because she wanted part-time work (or at least that’s what she thought). What she didn’t realise was that in-fact she would have been happy with a casual position and was kicking herself afterwards for letting that opportunity go. When they advised they had casual positions available, she didn’t understand what that meant.

If you’re looking for work, it’s important to know the difference between casual and part-time work.

Casual employees:

• Are paid a casual loading rate (that is higher than a full or part time hourly rate) in compensation for not receiving the same benefits as full or part time workers such as paid sick or annual leave.
• Have no guaranteed hours of work
• Hours of work are usually irregular
• Don’t get paid sick or annual leave
• Don’t have to give notice to end your employment, unless otherwise stated by a relevant award or agreement

Part-time positions:Smiling customer paying by credit card at the bakery

• Works on average, less than 38 hours per week
• Usually works regular hours each week on a guaranteed basis
• Entitled to the same benefits as full-time employees, on a pro rata basis such as paid sick or annual leave. For example, if you work 2 days a week, you are entitled to accrue leave such as sick leave and holiday leave for those 2 days.

 

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