Don’t Forget This 2026 Compliance Obligation: The Casual Employment Information Statement (CEIS)
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As we move into 2026, there’s one compliance obligation we’re gently reminding employers about — and it’s one that is very easy to miss once onboarding is complete.
It’s the requirement to issue and reissue the Casual Employment Information Statement (CEIS).
Most employers are diligent about providing the CEIS when a casual employee first commences. However, what is often overlooked is that the Fair Work Act requires the CEIS to be issued again at specific points during employment — and the timing depends on the size of your business.
Why the CEIS Matters
The Casual Employment Information Statement explains:
- What casual employment means
- The rights of casual employees
- Pathways to permanent employment
- The process for conversion
Importantly, these rights can evolve over time. The purpose of reissuing the CEIS is to ensure casual employees remain informed about their entitlements and any options available to them.
This isn’t simply an administrative formality — it is a legislative requirement.
Reissue Requirements: What Employers Need to Know
The reissue obligations differ depending on the size of your workforce.
Small Businesses (Fewer Than 15 Employees)
You must provide the CEIS:
- At commencement; and
- Again once the employee reaches 12 months of employment.
That 12-month reissue is mandatory — and it is the step most commonly missed.
Employers with 15 or More Employees
You must provide the CEIS:
- At commencement;
- After six months of employment;
- After 12 months of employment; and
- Every 12 months thereafter while the employee remains casual.
This means ongoing diary reminders are essential.
Common Compliance Gaps We See
At Explore Potential, we often find that:
- Employers issued the CEIS correctly at commencement
- There is no system in place to trigger reissue reminders
- HR software does not automatically prompt ongoing compliance
- The 12-month (or 6-month) milestone passes unnoticed
These gaps are rarely intentional — they are simply administrative oversights. However, they can expose a business to unnecessary risk.
Practical Steps to Stay Compliant in 2026
To ensure you meet your obligations:
- Build CEIS reissue dates into your onboarding checklist
- Set automated reminders at six and twelve months (where required)
- Align CEIS reissue with casual conversion review processes
- Keep clear records of when the statement was provided
If you’re unsure whether your systems are capturing this correctly, it’s worth reviewing now — particularly if you employ long-term casuals.