• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

02 6225 8104

youngworkerscbr@unionsact.org.au

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
Donate
Young Workers Centre | Free workplace information | UnionsACT

Young Workers Centre | Free workplace information | UnionsACT

We stand for young workers. Always.

  • Speak out! How does casual, insecure work impact you?
    • Young Workers & Covid-19: Exposing the Devastating Impacts of Insecure Employment
  • Home
    • Fact Sheets
    • Latest News
  • Women in Trades
Get advice

Is “cash-in-hand” legal?

It may be tempting to accept a ‘cash-in-hand’ job, especially if it is your first job, or if you are having trouble finding work. 

But, be wary! Too often, ‘cash-in-hand’ means ‘off-the-books’, where there are no records, no pay slips, and a high risk of wage theft. This is where an employer avoids paying you entitlements like the minimum wage, superannuation, or penalty rates.  

Some dodgy employers will pretend they are doing you a favour, but in reality you lose a lot more than you gain. You may not be able to prove that you worked there, for how long, or prove your hours. This makes it harder to enforce your rights. Employers who offer ‘cash-in-hand’ jobs often don’t have proper workers’ compensation insurance, which means that you may not be covered if there’s an accident.  

Getting ‘cash-in-hand’ is different to being paid wages in cash. Your employer can pay you in cash as long as you receive a proper pay slip, are being paid superannuation, and the right amount of tax is being taken from your earnings and sent to the Australian Tax Office.  

Find out more at our Cash in Hand Fact Sheet or contact us for information.

Strength in numbers

We're building a movement of young workers powerful enough to end the illegal and unfair practices by employers that rip-off young workers.

Volunteer

Footer

Young Workers Centre

Get free and confidential information, support and referrals about your workplace rights.

📞 02 6225 8104

📧 youngworkerscbr@unionsact.org.au

Donate

Sitemap

  • Home
  • Volunteer
  • Get Advice
  • Fact Sheets
  • Resources
  • News
  • Donate

Campaigns

  • Women in Trades
  • Tackle Wage-Theft
  • Wage-theft Calculator
  • Rights at Work Schools Program
  • WHS in Schools

Made with ❤️ by union labour.

Authorised A White for UnionsACT, 11 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2601.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021 UnionsACT. Privacy, Terms & Conditions Return to top