Long term casuals

A long term casual employee is someone who doesn't have a permanent or fixed-term contract but works for the same employer regularly for at least 12 months. These employees typically don’t have a set work schedule but their work pattern is consistent and predictable, such as working the same days each week. This term recognises the ongoing relationship between the employer and the casual employee which can impact their rights and entitlements.

Long term casuals and the employee choice pathway

Under the Fair Work Act, this means a regular casual employed for a sequence of periods over at least 12 months who reasonably expects that work to continue. Long term casuals with a reasonable expectation of continuing work can access some National Employment Standards entitlements, such as unpaid parental leave and the right to request flexible working arrangements. Separately, after 6 months (12 months with a small business employer), a casual who believes they no longer meet the casual definition can notify their employer in writing under the employee choice pathway, and the employer must respond in writing within 21 days.

Read our guide to casual loading and see casual employee.