In November 2006, there were 8.6 million employees aged 15 years and over. Of these, 92% (8 million) were employees. Of these 60% did not have any say in their start and finish times, 72% could choose when their holidays were taken, and 38% were able to work extra hours in order to take time off according to this ABS study. In November 2006, there were 8.6 million employees aged 15 years and over. Of these, 92% (8 million) were employees (excluding owner managers of incorporated enterprises (OMIEs)). Of these:

• 60% did not have any say in their start and finish times
• 72% could choose when their holidays were taken
• 38% were able to work extra hours in order to take time off
• 37% usually worked extra hours or overtime
• 17% usually worked shift work
• 23% had earnings which varied from one pay period to the next
• 36% had hours that varied weekly or they were usually required to be on call or standby.

This publication presents information about the working arrangements of employees in their main job, such as shift work, extra hours or overtime, and start and finish times. It also presents information about the patterns of employees' work in all jobs. This information can be cross-classified by characteristics such as hours worked, industry and occupation, and demographic characteristics.