Shift work involving Sunday and/or night work
Understand shift systems that can be used to plan Sunday and/or night work and how to design one for your employees.
If your staff work Sunday or evening hours, you'll need an appropriate shift pattern for them.
Paying shift workers
There are a variety of ways of paying shift workers, including:
- flat-rate allowances per hour, shift, or week, in addition to basic day rates
- fixed percentage additions to the day-work rates
- basic rates of wages with shift workers getting a higher rate than day workers
- paying a standard annual amount to all employees working that particular shift
- extra allowances for hours worked outside the normal daily hours
For more information on paying shift workers, see terms and conditions for Sunday and night workers.
Which shift system to employ
Although it is not required by law, taking workers' preferences into account when arranging shift patterns can help with staff recruitment and retention and increase business productivity.
Consider the type of shift system to be used, including the hours it covers, and the average weekly hours to be worked by each person.
Also consider whether the shift will be a fixed or rotating system. If shifts rotate, decide whether the direction should be 'backwards' (nights, afternoons, mornings) or 'forwards' (mornings, afternoons, nights).
Once this is established, decide the frequency of shift changes, the length of shifts, and the number of crews required. You can then plan rest periods and work out the type of shift.
Common shift patterns
Some common shift patterns are:
Double day shift
Two crews to cover any daily period between 16 and 24 hours.
Day and night shift
Two crews alternate day and night shifts, weekly or fortnightly.
Three shift discontinuous
Three shift crews provide 24-hour cover for five days.
Seven-day continuous shift
One week of mornings, afternoons, or nights.
Permanent night shift
Workers spend their whole working time on nights.
Four crew continuous shift
Four crews switch between morning, afternoon, and night shifts over a four-week cycle.
12-hour continuous shift
Three, four, or five crews do 12-hour shifts and get more rest days in return.