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  5. Contract or Permanent
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  8. Useful Information

Contract or Permanent

Destination: Australia

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Most roles on offer within Australia will be permanent ones although in recent years there has been a growth in temp work (often referred to as contracting). Below are some pros and cons to consider when deciding what’s best for you:

Advantages of permanent roles

  • Typically 20 days of annual leave, plus 8 statutory holidays (and state holidays) and paid sick leave.

  • Opportunities to develop your career within the company could be more prevalent with permanent roles. In addition you will be entitled to attended courses for personal development.

  • Potential for an annual bonus.

  • Other paid benefits, likely to include pensions and an opportunity to allocate an annual sum of money to chosen benefits i.e insurances, extra holidays.

Advantages of contracting roles

  • Excellent rates of pay and regular income for the duration of your contract.

  • Roles are available on a more immediate basis meaning you can start earning quicker.

  • Opportunities to improve your skills whilst you search for permanent work.

  • Holiday flexibility (- you choose when to take time off and for how long).

  • You are your own boss. If you don’t like who you are working for it provides the flexibility to move on.

Disadvantages of contracting roles

  • No company benefits (i.e. no company health care or pension scheme, sick pay, professional training, etc).

  • No pay if you are sick.

  • Depending on a number of factors there may be gaps between your contracts. This can be caused by seasonal or economic factors which are outside your control.