Term

Meaning

Annual leave

Paid holiday leave. This is usually four weeks per year, and it can be taken as soon as it is accumulated. 

Award

A legal document which sets out minimum employment conditions for matters such as, minimum pay rates, leave entitlements and overtime.

Bereavement leave

Leave included in some awards and agreements for time off if a spouse, de facto partner or close relative dies.

Boss

Your manager or employer. This could be the owner of the business or a staff team leader.

Carers or family leave

A leave entitlement giving days off to meet family responsibilities such as caring for a member of your household or immediate family.

Casual work

Temporary work that doesn’t include the same benefits as a permanent job. Casual hourly pay rates are often higher to compensate for missing out on permanent employee benefits such as sick leave and holiday pay.

Contract

A legal agreement between an employer and an employee. This sets out the conditions and terms of employment such as pay, benefits and hours.

Employee

A person working for an organisation in return for a wage or salary, under a contract of employment.

Employer

A person or organisation who employs a worker under a contract of employment. Employers are responsible for paying wages and providing a safe work environment.

End of financial year (EOFY)

30 June is the end of the financial (or fiscal) year. The Australian financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June.

Enterprise agreement

A negotiated agreement about the conditions of employment within a business or organisation. Must be approved by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to meet all minimum employee entitlements.

Entitlements

The rights employees have at work such as holidays, sick leave and allowances.

Equal opportunity

The legal right for all people to have an equal chance of getting a job for which they have the necessary skills, experience and qualifications.

Full-time employment

A ‘regular’ job which is usually about 38 hours per week, spread over five working days.

Group certificate

A form your employer gives you for tax purposes at the end of the financial year. It shows your gross pay, tax withheld and other deductions.

Income

The money you earn from work or business.

Income tax

A government tax on your earnings from work or business. The amount of tax you pay depends on your income tax rates, entitlements and exemptions.

Induction

A process of welcoming and introducing you to a new job or workplace.

Industry organisations

Organisations which represent individual industries. Also known as peak bodies and industry associations.

Job description

A document which outlines the purpose, expectations and responsibilities of a job.

Minimum wage

The lowest amount that can legally be paid under an employment award or agreement.

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

Employers have a legal duty to take care of the health, safety and wellbeing of all employees at work.

Part-time work

Part-time workers are usually permanent employees with a set number of working hours, less than the usual 38 hours of a full-time employee.

Penalty rate

A higher rate of pay usually given for work outside usual hours such as late at night or on public holidays.

Public holiday

An official holiday recognised by the state or country.

Quit

To leave or resign from your job. Depending on your employment type, you might need to give a notice period before leaving a job.

Resume

A summary of your career experience and achievements. Also known as a curriculum vitae (CV).

Seasonal work

Work available in certain seasons such as fruit picking.

Sick leave

Paid leave from work given when you are sick. Your employer may ask for a doctor’s certificate.

Unfair dismissal

When an employee is fired (or sacked) for reasons that violate their employment contract, the relevant award or the law, also called wrongful dismissal.

Work placement

On-the-job experience as part of a program of study or vocational certificate.