Rosters and Hours

What’s the maximum number of hours I can work in one day? 

You can be rostered to a maximum of 9 hours on any day. However, one day per week, your boss can roster you for a 10.5-hour day and a second 10.5-hour day can be rostered on the same week but only if it’s mutually agreed between you and your boss and in writing.

Rosters have to include the following information:

  •      The number of ordinary hours you will work each week
  •      The days of the week you are working
  •      Start and finish times each day you are rostered to work

When does my boss need to let me know about my roster? 

  •   If you’re a permanent employee, your boss must notify you at least 14 days in advance of your roster.
  •   Rosters can be changed at any time by agreement between you and your boss.
  •   A roster period cannot exceed 4 weeks and you cannot be rostered on for more than 5 days at a time. You can only be rostered on for 6 days if you are only rostered for a maximum of 4 days the next week.

Can my boss make changes to my roster without me knowing? 

If your boss proposes to change your regular roster or ordinary hours of work, the employer must consult with you about the proposed change.

Are the rules different if you’re part-time? 

If you’re part-time your boss may alter your roster so long as they provide you with at least 7 days’ notice in writing. In emergencies, your boss can give you 48 hours’ notice.

But it’s important to note that if your roster is altered, the number of hours worked must not be changed. Rosters cannot be changed from week to week or fortnight to fortnight in this manner.

My employer isn’t giving me my rightful entitlements, what do I do?

  1. Check the Award and National Employment Standards. Read over this document or get in touch with us if you’re not sure, and we’ll confirm whether your employer is breaching legislation. If it doesn’t add up, then investigate!
  2. Gather your evidence. Screenshot SMS or Facebook messages, forward emails to another account and take photos of any handwritten notes or payslips. Make sure you have copies of everything in safe place.
  3. Contact your employer. Make it clear that to them they are breaching the Hair and Beauty Award, or National Employment Standards. Email, write or SMS your employer and state that you are asking for your legal entitlements. Stick to the facts and try not to be emotional. The Hair and Beauty Award and National Employment Standards are correct, not your employer. There are no exceptions to the law!
  4. Take it further. If your employer still refuses to give you your entitled leave, get in touch, and we can help escalate the situation through the Fair Work Commission or your local small claims court.