If your break included long service or unpaid leave
Depending on the type of leave used for your career break, there are specific rights you're entitled to on your return to work. Find out what they are.
Most full-time, part-time and casual employees in NSW are entitled to 2 months long service leave at full pay, generally after 10 years working for the same employer.
If long service leave was part of your career break, NSW legislation ensures your right to return to that employer, in the same or a similar capacity.
For unpaid leave, there are no general entitlements under the Fair Work Act 2009. But there are provisions outlining when unpaid leave can be taken and what the return-to-work conditions could be.
In some workplaces, separate awards or enterprise agreements provide:
- more favourable terms for long service leave
- different eligibility and return to work rules for unpaid leave.
If you're not sure, check with your employer to find out what your conditions and entitlements are.
Find out more about long service leave at the NSW Department of Industrial Relations.