How much notice does a casual have to give?

The notice that a casual employee is required to give when resigning from their job can vary depending on the employment contract and any applicable awards or enterprise agreements. There is no specific notice period mandated by law for casual employees. However, there are some general principles to consider.

Employment contract

The employer and the casual employee may outline the notice period in the employment contract. Typically, both the employer and the employee must adhere to the notice period specified in the contract if it exists.

Award or enterprise agreement

Some modern awards or enterprise agreements may include provisions regarding notice periods for casual employees. In such cases, consult the relevant award or agreement to determine the notice requirements.

Common practice

In the absence of a specific notice period in the employment contract or applicable award, it is common practice for casual employees to provide notice that is reasonable under the circumstances. The industry and the job's nature can influence the variation in what people consider reasonable notice. Generally, people often consider a notice period of one to two weeks reasonable.

It's important to note that the specific requirements may differ based on individual circumstances, so it's advisable for casual employees and employers to consult with their HR department, legal counsel, or a relevant authority to determine the appropriate notice period for a particular situation.

To learn more information on casual employees and their entitlements, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman. Additionally, click the button below to read our article on whether casual employees can take time off.