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 Restaurant Shift — What Am I Owed?

Last updated: March 2026 · MA000119

At least 2 hours' pay — that's the casual minimum engagement under the Restaurant Industry Award. If you're permanent or part-time and it's a public holiday, the minimum is 4 hours. Your employer cannot roster you for less or send you home without paying the minimum.

Sent home after 30 minutes? You're still owed the full minimum engagement.

The rule

Under the Restaurant Industry Award (MA000119):

  • Casual employees: minimum engagement of 2 hours per shift
  • Permanent/part-time on a public holiday: minimum engagement of 4 hours

These minimums apply regardless of how long you actually work. If you're sent home early, the minimum engagement pay is still owed.

What you should be paid

Casual sent home after 45 minutes on a weekday

  • Casual Level 2 weekday rate: $32.31/hr
  • Paid for 45 minutes: $24.23
  • Minimum engagement (2 hours): $64.62
  • Shortfall: $40.39

If this happens once a week over a year, that's roughly $2,019.50 in missing minimum engagement pay.

Rates based on the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000119, effective 1 July 2025.

What to check on your payslip

  • Were you paid for at least 2 hours on each casual shift?
  • On public holidays, were you paid for at least 4 hours (permanent/PT)?
  • Was the rate correct for the day and time of the shift?

Frequently asked questions

I arrived but my shift was cancelled — am I still owed pay?

Yes. If you attended work as required, you're entitled to the minimum engagement pay — 2 hours for casuals. Even if you're told to go home immediately, the minimum engagement applies.

What is the public holiday minimum engagement?

For permanent and part-time employees working on a public holiday, the minimum engagement is 4 hours. This means even if you're sent home after 1 hour on a public holiday, you must be paid for 4 hours at the applicable public holiday rate.

What rate am I paid for the minimum engagement period?

You're paid at the applicable rate for that day and time. If the minimum engagement falls on a Sunday, you get the Sunday rate. If it's a public holiday, you get the public holiday rate. The minimum engagement doesn't reduce your rate — it guarantees minimum hours at the correct rate.

Check your minimum engagement pay is correct for every shift.

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General information only. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.