17.3.2 The labour force Australia’s labour force includes people who are working and those looking for jobs. This includes full- time , part-time , casual or seasonal work. It includes people aged 15 and over who are either employed or unemployed. People who are not regarded as part of the labour force include: • people eligible for the state pension • people who have retired from the workforce • people with a physical or mental disability that prevents them from working • full-time students who do not work • full-time carers who look after children or other family members • volunteers working without pay in institutions such as the State Emergency Service and charities. In September 2024, 4.1 per cent of the labour force in Australia was unemployed.
SkillBuilder discussion Communicating 1. What is the deýnition of the labour force? 2. Who is included in the labour force? 3. Why is it important to understand the labour force?
FIGURE2 People who work or are looking for work are part of the labour force.
17.3.3 Types of workers In Australia, workers are classiýed as full-time, part-time, permanent, casual, self-employed or seasonal. For example, a university student might choose to work part-time to balance work with studying. The four main types of work are listed in TABLE1 .
TABLE1 Different types of workers Type of worker
Features
• Ongoing employment • Number of hours per week is 35 or more • Ongoing employment • Number of hours per week is fewer than 35 • Number of hours may be ýxed or variable
Full-time worker
Part-time worker
• Employed on an ‘as needed’ basis • No permanent weekly roster • Hours vary from week to week; for instance, 10 hours one week and 3 hours the next • May work for more than one employer
Casual worker
• An individual who works for themselves
Self-employed
TOPIC17 Working for a living 595
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