Am I getting enough breaks?
Meal breaks, rest breaks, and what your award requires based on shift length.
Meal breaks
Most awards require an unpaid meal break of 30-60 minutes after working 5 or more hours continuously. The exact timing and duration depends on your award. If you're not given a meal break and have to work through, some awards require the employer to pay a penalty (often double time) until the break is given.
Rest breaks
Paid rest breaks (typically 10 minutes) are generally required for shifts of 7+ hours. For longer shifts (10+ hours), you may be entitled to additional rest breaks or a second meal break. Rest breaks are paid time and count as time worked.
What if I'm not getting breaks?
If your employer isn't providing required breaks, they may be breaching your award. Document the shifts where breaks were missed, then raise it with your employer. If unresolved, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. You may be entitled to back-pay for missed breaks if a penalty applies.
Use these tools
Official resources
General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.