Can My Employer Change My Hours Without Asking? — Australian Law (2026)

It depends on whether you are full-time, part-time, or casual — and what your contract and award say. Full-time employees generally work 38 hours per week. Your employer can change when those hours are worked (e.g., shift times, roster days) as long as the change is reasonable and complies with your award's roster change provisions.

However, your employer generally cannot reduce your total hours below 38 per week without your agreement. Part-time employees have agreed hours written into their contract.

These hours can only be changed by mutual agreement — your employer can't unilaterally reduce or increase your part-time hours. Casual employees have no guaranteed hours, so their hours can change from week to week.

Most Modern Awards require employers to give 7 days' notice of a roster change, or 14 days in some industries. If your award does not specify, the employer should give reasonable notice. Emergency or unforeseen situations may allow shorter notice.

The General Retail Industry Award, Hospitality Industry Award, and most other common awards require 7 days' notice of roster changes. Check your specific award for the exact requirement.

If your employer changes your roster with less notice than required by your award, you may have grounds to refuse the change or lodge a complaint.

Your employer can't change your hours: (1) To punish you for exercising a workplace right (such as making a complaint or taking leave) — this is adverse action. (2) To force you to resign (constructive dismissal). (3) In a way that breaches your employment contract — if your contract guarantees specific days or hours, those can only change by mutual agreement. (4) In a way that is discriminatory — for example, reducing hours because of pregnancy, disability, or caring responsibilities. (5) Below the minimum hours specified in your award for your employment type. If any of these apply, you may have a general protections or unfair dismissal claim.

Step 1: Check your employment contract, award, and enterprise agreement for any roster change provisions. Step 2: Raise the issue in writing with your employer, citing the specific provision they may be breaching. Step 3: If your employer doesn't resolve the issue, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Step 4: If you believe you're being managed out (constructive dismissal), document everything and consider seeking legal advice. If your hours have been reduced so significantly that you're effectively no longer employed, you may be entitled to make a claim for unfair dismissal or redundancy pay.