NSW public servants on temporary employment contracts are being encouraged by the Public Service Association (PSA) of NSW to seek conversion to ongoing employment.
In a statement, the Association said public servants who had been employed in a temporary capacity for 12 months or more could request a review of their employment and seek conversion to an ongoing role.
“Long-term temporary employment has increased in the public service and is an example of insecure work,” PSA NSW said.
“Temporary employment is insecure work and limits the rights of workers who become pregnant or who have serious health conditions, or who want to get a loan or sign a lease agreement,” it said.
“Fear of not being renewed can cause unnecessary stress, disempower workers and can have an adverse effect on workplace culture.”
PSA NSW said despite the best intentions of managers, conversion of temporary employees was not always a high priority.
Along with the more than 12-months of employment requirement, the Association said that in accordance a long-term temporary employee may be converted to ongoing employment provided the role was at the same level, based on the results of a comparative assessment after external advertising, and they’d conducted themselves satisfactorily.
“Comparative assessments assess an individual’s claim against the pre-established standards for the role and any other claimants (applicants) for the role,” it said.
PSA NSW said this included screening for the essential requirements of the role, application and CV, at least three capability-based assessments, and referee checks.
“If you meet the above requirements, you are eligible to request the conversion of your temporary employment to ongoing employment,” it said.
“It is ultimately at the discretion of the Agency Head whether to approve the conversion of an individual’s employment.”
PSA NSW said it could assist its members with the process of requesting a conversion to ongoing employment.
