A split shift is where your work day is broken into two or more periods with a significant unpaid gap in between (typically 1+ hours). Many awards limit how split shifts can be used and require an allowance or penalty payment.
Last verified: 21 May 2026A split shift is where your work day is broken into two or more periods with a significant unpaid gap in between (typically 1+ hours). Many awards limit how split shifts can be used and require an allowance or penalty payment.
A split shift occurs when an employee's ordinary hours on a single day are divided into two or more separate periods, with a significant unpaid break between them. For example, working 7am–11am, then 4pm–8pm. This is common in hospitality, retail, and aged care.
Many Modern Awards restrict split shifts. The Hospitality Industry (General) Award allows split shifts but limits the spread of hours (the time between starting and finishing) to no more than 12 hours. The Restaurant Industry Award provides a split shift allowance. The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award requires a broken shift allowance of $17.33 per day (as at July 2025).
Each portion of a split shift must generally meet the minimum engagement period under your award (usually 2–3 hours). You must be paid for each portion separately, and travel time between locations is generally not paid unless your award says otherwise.
If split shifts are not part of your agreed contract or roster pattern, you may be able to refuse. Under the NES, full-time employees' ordinary hours should be worked continuously unless the award allows split shifts. Unreasonable changes to rosters can be challenged under the roster change provisions of your award.
The 'spread of hours' is the total time from when you start to when you finish, including the unpaid gap. Most awards cap this at 12 hours. If your spread exceeds the limit, you may be entitled to overtime rates for any hours outside the spread.
A split shift is when your work day is divided into two or more separate periods with a significant unpaid gap between them — for example, working 7am–11am and then 4pm–8pm.
No. The gap between the two portions of a split shift is unpaid. However, many awards require a split shift allowance to compensate for the inconvenience.
Most awards cap the spread of hours (time from start to finish including the gap) at 12 hours. If exceeded, overtime rates may apply.
If split shifts are not part of your agreed contract or award provisions, you may be able to refuse. Changes to your roster pattern require consultation under most awards.
Yes. Each portion of a split shift must generally meet the minimum engagement period under your award, which is typically 2–3 hours.
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