Part-time employee: what should your contract state?

Posted on 26 May, 2024 in Aged Care

We are hearing that some workers upon the commencement of work are being offered contracts that state only the hours that they are guaranteed, and, in some cases, it states that these hours can be spread over any shift on any day of the week.

This is incorrect and your employer is taking advantage of you, and they are in breach of their workplace agreement.

If you are a part-time employee, you are engaged to work less than 38 hours per week.

Before commencing employment, your contract should state that the employer and the employee will agree on a regular pattern of work and include:

- The number of ordinary hours to be worked each week (The Guaranteed Hours)
- The days of the week the employee will work The starting and finishing times each day
- The agreed regular pattern of work does not necessarily have to provide for the same guaranteed hours each week i.e. your contract can be for 16 hours one week and 24 hours the next week.

Also, where a part-time employee has regularly worked more than their guaranteed hours for at least 12 months, the employee may request in writing that the employer vary their previous contract to increase their guaranteed hours to include the additional hours regularly worked.

If you have any questions about your part-time contract or anything else at work, please call HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or email [email protected] – we are here to help!
For more information about this or any other industrial matter, members should contact HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or email [email protected] or complete our online contact form

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