General information only — not legal advice. First speak with your employer, then if unsuccessful contact Fair Work or an employment lawyer.
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Sent Home Early From a Cleaning Shift — What Am I Owed?

Last updated: April 2026 · MA000022

If you showed up for a cleaning shift and got sent home early, you must still be paid for a minimum of 3 hours. This is not a bonus or a favour — it is a legal requirement under the Cleaning Services Award. Your employer cannot roster you, benefit from your availability, and then send you home after an hour paying only for time worked.

The rule

  • Casual cleaners: minimum 3-hour engagement per shift
  • Part-time cleaners: must be paid for rostered hours
  • Full-time cleaners: must be paid for rostered hours (typically 7.6 hours)

Worked example

Scenario: Casual cleaner, Level 1 (~$32.31/hr with casual loading), rostered for a 4-hour evening shift. Arrives at 6pm, employer says the building is already clean and sends them home at 7pm.

What they paid: 1 hour × $32.31 = $32.31

What they should pay: 3 hours (minimum) × $32.31 = $96.93

Underpaid: $64.62 for that single shift.

If this happens once a week, it adds up to $3,215/year in stolen wages.

What to check

  • Were you paid for at least 3 hours on every shift you attended?
  • Does your payslip show the correct hours for shifts where you left early?
  • Were you pressured to clock off early to avoid the minimum engagement?

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Frequently asked questions

I was sent home after 1 hour — do I get paid for 3?

If you're a casual cleaner, yes. The Cleaning Services Award guarantees a minimum engagement of 3 hours per shift for casuals. Even if your employer sends you home after 1 hour, they must pay you for 3 hours. Part-time workers must be paid for their rostered hours.

Does the minimum engagement apply if the client cancels?

Yes. If your employer sends you to a site and the client cancels, or if you arrive and there's no work, the minimum engagement still applies. Your employer took the risk by rostering you — the cost is theirs, not yours.

What if my employer says I can go home early and I agree?

Even if you voluntarily agree to leave early, the minimum engagement applies to casuals. For part-time workers, your employer should pay you for your rostered hours. You should not be pressured into accepting less pay because work ran out.

General information only — not legal advice. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.