Q: Under what circumstances is it allowable to change an employee from full-time to casual? How would this affect the employee’s leave entitlements?

A: The only circumstances in which it is permissible to change an employee from full-time to casual is with the employee’s consent. If the employee agrees to the change, no notice will be required. However, you will have to pay out annual leave entitlements (unless the employee agrees to defer payment in case they resume permanent employment later on, in which case the entitlement will be credited when leave accrual begins again).

Please note: The answer is correct at the time of publishing. Be aware that laws may change over time. Refer to Changing employees' jobs for current advice.