Split Shifts — Rules, Pay & Your Rights in Australia

What Is a Split Shift?

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.

Award Rules on Split Shifts

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).

Minimum Hours & Pay

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.

Can You Refuse a Split Shift?

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.

Spread of Hours

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.

Frequently Asked Questions