Break Compliance Calculator (Australia)
Check whether employee breaks are compliant based on shift length and break timing. This calculator helps identify missed breaks, paid break obligations, and potential compliance risk.
Takes ~30 seconds · No login required · AU guidance only
Enter shift and break details
Compliance results
Enter shift and break details to check compliance
Shift length
0.0 hrs
Total break time
0 mins
Unpaid break time
0 mins
Paid work time
0.0 hrs
General break guidelines
Meal breaks
Usually 30-60 mins, typically unpaid, required for shifts over 5-6 hours
Rest breaks
Usually 10-15 mins, typically paid, may be required every 4-5 hours
Missed breaks
Unpaid breaks not taken may need to be paid
This calculator provides general guidance only. Break rules vary by award, agreement, and employment type.
Why break compliance matters
Underpayment risk
If employees miss required breaks, the time may need to be paid. This can result in unexpected payroll costs and potential underpayment claims.
Fair Work audits
The Fair Work Ombudsman can audit your business for break compliance. Non-compliance may result in penalties and back-pay orders.
Employee wellbeing
Regular breaks help maintain productivity and reduce fatigue-related accidents. They're not just a compliance requirement—they're good for business.
Backpay exposure
If breaks have been systematically missed over time, the backpay liability can be significant. Proactive compliance is far cheaper than remediation.
Paid vs unpaid breaks
Rest breaks are usually paid
Shorter rest breaks (typically 10-15 minutes) are generally paid breaks that count as time worked.
Meal breaks are usually unpaid
Most awards specify that meal breaks of 30 minutes or more are unpaid, provided the employee is free to leave the workplace.
Missed unpaid breaks may become payable
If an employee is required to work through their unpaid meal break, that time generally becomes payable at the appropriate rate.
Common break compliance mistakes
Breaks taken too late
Many awards require breaks within a certain number of hours from shift start
Breaks too short
A 20-minute meal break may not meet the minimum requirement
Not recording breaks
Without records, it's hard to prove compliance
Assuming all breaks are unpaid
Rest breaks are often paid, even if meal breaks aren't
Working during breaks
If employees work during their break, it may no longer be a valid break
Want break compliance handled automatically?
Upgrade to RosterElf for automatic break rule enforcement, compliance tracking, and early issue identification.
Free Calculator
Perfect for quick break compliance checks
- Check meal & rest break compliance
- Identify missed break issues
- Calculate paid time adjustments
- No signup required
- Automatic break rule enforcement
- Track actual breaks taken
- Payroll export (Xero & MYOB)
- Team-wide compliance reports
Full Suite
Rostering, payroll & HR in one
per employee per month
+ GST, billed annually
Payroll & HR tools in one system
- Smart rostering & availability
- Time & attendance (GPS & photo)
- Award interpretation & penalties
- Payroll export (Xero & MYOB)
- HR Hub with employee profiles
- Digital onboarding & contracts
- Policies, certificates & compliance tracking
- Payroll sync with employee records
- Workwise AI compliance assistant
- Central document storage & management
- Leave management with approvals
No credit card required · 15-day free trial
Frequently asked questions
- Yes. Break requirements depend on shift length and award conditions. Most awards require meal breaks for shifts over 5-6 hours and rest breaks at regular intervals.
- Usually yes, but rules vary and missed breaks may become payable. If an employee is required to remain available during their break, it may need to be paid.
- Not always. Requirements depend on duration and the applicable award. Short shifts under 4-5 hours may not require meal breaks, but rest breaks may still apply.
- In many cases, the break time must be paid. Some awards also require additional payments when breaks are not provided as required.
- No. It provides general guidance only. Break rules vary by award, agreement, and employment type. Always verify with the specific award that applies to your employees.
Related resources
Explore guides, insights, and templates to help you get more from this tool.
Explore more free tools
Discover other calculators and compliance tools for your business.
Underpayment risk calculator
Assess your underpayment risk based on time tracking and pay practices.
Backpay exposure estimator
Estimate potential backpay liability if employees have been underpaid.
Award misclassification checker
Check if employees may be misclassified under the wrong award or level.
AI employment contract generator
Generate draft employment contracts for casual, part-time, or full-time employees using AI.
AI roster generator
Generate draft staff rosters using AI based on your team size and shift requirements.
Modern award pay rate estimates
Get indicative pay rate estimates for common Australian awards. Verify with Fair Work.
Free roster builder
Build staff rosters instantly with our free drag-and-drop tool. No signup required.
Casual vs part-time calculator
Compare the estimated cost of casual vs part-time employment including loadings.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides general guidance only. Break rules vary by award, agreement, and employment type. This is not legal advice.
Break compliance calculator – disclaimer & terms of use
Please read and accept the following terms before using this calculator.
1. Guidance Only
This calculator provides general guidance for planning and educational purposes only. Results are not intended to be accurate, complete, or suitable for any specific situation.
2. Not Legal or Compliance Advice
This tool does not provide legal, HR, or compliance advice. Break requirements vary significantly by Modern Award, enterprise agreement, and state legislation. Always verify requirements with official sources.
3. User Responsibility
You are solely responsible for:
- verifying break requirements with the applicable award or agreement,
- consulting qualified professionals for compliance matters,
- ensuring your rostering practices meet all legal requirements.
4. Award Rules Vary
Break entitlements differ between Modern Awards. The rules used in this calculator are simplified examples and may not match your specific award requirements.
5. No Guarantee of Accuracy
While we aim to provide helpful guidance, we make no warranties about the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the results.
6. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, RosterElf and its providers disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or claims arising from the use of this calculator or reliance on its results.
Confirmation
I understand that this calculator provides guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice. I will verify all break requirements with official sources.
Please scroll to read all terms before accepting