Exact meal and rest break entitlements for a 7-hour shift under Australian Modern Awards.
Last verified: 21 May 2026On a 7-hour shift, you're entitled to a 30-60 minute unpaid meal break plus 1-2 x 10-minute paid rest breaks under most Modern Awards. The meal break must be taken before you hit 5 consecutive hours.
Meal Break (unpaid)
30-60 minutes unpaid (after 5 hours worked)
Rest Breaks (paid)
1-2 x 10 min (paid)
Break rules vary by Modern Award. Here's what a 7-hour shift looks like under the most common awards in Australia.
| Award | Meal Break | Rest Breaks |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality (HIGA) | 30 min unpaid after 5 hrs | 1-2 x 10 min paid |
| General Retail (GRIA) | 30-60 min unpaid after 5 hrs | 1-2 x 10 min paid |
| Fast Food | 30 min unpaid after 5 hrs | 1 x 10 min paid |
| Clerks—Private Sector | 30-60 min unpaid after 5 hrs | No paid rest break required |
| Manufacturing | 30 min unpaid after 5 hrs | 2 x 10 min paid |
| Nurses Award 2020 | 30 min unpaid after 5 hrs | 2 x 10 min paid |
If your employer isn't giving you the breaks you're entitled to under your award, that's a breach. Here's what to do.
Want to check your specific award and shift? Our Break Compliance Checker matches your shift length against the rules for your exact award.
Open Break Compliance Checker →On a 7-hour shift under most Modern Awards, you get 30-60 min unpaid meal break(s) and 1-2 x 10 min (paid). 7-hour shift: 30-60 min unpaid meal break + up to 2 x 10-min paid rest breaks.
Meal breaks are unpaid — the clock stops. Rest breaks are paid — the clock keeps running. On a 7-hour shift, expect 30-60 min unpaid unpaid and 1-2 x 10 min (paid) paid.
Usually two 10-minute paid rest breaks under manufacturing and nursing awards. Hospitality and retail typically give 1-2 depending on the length.
No. The meal break has to be taken before 5 consecutive hours of work. Your employer can't push it to the end.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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