As part of the four-yearly review of Modern Awards that is currently underway, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) determined that as of 1 October 2018, most Modern Awards would include a “casual conversion” clause.

The clause allows for a “regular casual employee” to request in writing that their employment be converted to permanent employment (full-time if the employee has systematically worked full-time hours or part-time if the employee has systematically worked part-time hours over the preceding 12 months) in certain circumstances.

Under the model clause, it is a requirement that:

• Employers provide all casual employees with a copy of the casual conversion provisions in the relevant award to them within the first 12 months of the employee’s engagement.
• All current casual employees employed as at 1 October 2018 must be provided with a copy of the casual conversion clause by 1 January 2019.

If you haven’t received this letter, you can always get advice from the very friendly and helpful people at https://www.fairwork.gov.au/

Image: Sarah Pflug