Continuous Contract
An employment contract meeting specific criteria for duration and hours worked, entitling employees to enhanced benefits.
Definition
An employee is deemed to be employed under a 'continuous contract' if they have been continuously employed by the same employer for a specified period and have met certain weekly or aggregate hourly thresholds. Historically, this was defined as four weeks or more with at least 18 hours worked in each week ('418 Rule'). From January 18, 2026, this definition will change to an aggregate of at least 68 hours worked during a period of four consecutive weeks ('468 Rule'). Being under a continuous contract is a prerequisite for entitlement to many statutory benefits, including rest days, paid annual leave, sickness allowance, severance payment, and long service payment.