Contract workers
In both the public and private
sector, workers many now are employed under contract for specified periods such
as three months, six months or longer. This may be to assist in operating
within budgetary constraints or to give greater flexibility. The term used for
this type of non-permanent work is outsourcing.
Contractors may only want to work
for short periods. They can also move on to another job if they are
dissatisfied.
In most cases employers are not
responsible to cover contract workers for such things as:
- Leave payments
- Superannuation
- Workers’ compensation
If the employer is unhappy with the
contractor, the contract is not renewed. Unfair dismissal charges are less likely
to occur.
A side effect of contract work is
that once contractors work this way they become very confident and many set up
their own businesses.
Hours of work
A few years ago, the more senior the
position held, the fewer hours of work were involved. This has been reversed
with many senior staff members now working almost double the expected hours.
Some organizations compensate employees for the extra time either by a payment
or by granting time off in lieu. However, in many cases neither of these
rewards is given.
If deadlines have to be met,
employees cope with the pressure and accept the long hours as part of their
job.
Flexible working hours
Flexitime operates mainly in the
public sector although it is also available in some larger private business. In
other cases, employees have a flexible working pattern such as a nine-day
fortnight.
With Flexitime there are is a core
time for attendance. This usually means that all staff should be on duty by 10.00
am and not leave before 3.00 pm (for example). Staff may come in earlier or
stay later to build up their hours of attendance over a period specified in the
award (generally a monthly period). They then take either one day as
flexi-leave or two half days to adjust the extra hours worked.
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