Employment

Whether it’s a casual job at your local “would you like fries with that?”, you’ve started an apprenticeship, or you’re a bit further up the career ladder, there are legal requirements about the conditions your employer offers you. Here’s some info about what you are entitled to at work, and places you can ask for help if things aren’t going quite as smoothly as they should.

How many hours can you work?

There are limits on the minimum and maximum number of hours you can work for each shift or each week, depending on how you are employed, and how old you are.

Generally if you are employed full time you will work 38 hours per week. You may be asked by your employer to work more than 38 hours per week. If so, you may be entitled to a higher rate of pay (overtime) for these hours under an Award.

Part-time and casual work can be for any number of hours per week but is usually less than 38 hours.

The minimum number of hours that you have to work per shift can vary between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on the type of work that you are doing and your age. The type of work that you are doing will determine what Award your job is covered by, and how many hours you can work in one shift – look up your Award for more information.

FYI – The age you need to be to be able to work full time varies throughout the country – in Tasmania, you can work full-time when you are 16, but only after school has finished for the year.