Starting your job: What’s the difference between full-time, part-time, casual and fixed-term employment?

Employment can be permanent, casual or fixed term.

Permanent employment is ongoing with no defined end date and can be either full time (usually 38 hours per week) or part time (less than 38 hours).
Casual employment generally involves no set hours or guarantee of ongoing employment.
Fixed-term employment has a defined start and end date.

What you can do

Ask your employer whether you are a permanent, casual or fixed-term employee and if your hours are full time or part time.

If you are unsure about your employment status or entitlements contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or chat online with a Live help adviser for more information.

Starting your job