Compensatory Rest
Equivalent rest that may be required where an employee cannot receive the normal daily, weekly or in-shift rest period at the usual time.
Hospitality staff often work late finishes, split shifts and busy service periods where normal rest can be disrupted. If compensatory rest is not provided where required, the business may breach working-time rules and increase fatigue, safety and dispute risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
In some cases, equivalent compensatory rest may be provided later, but it should not be treated casually. Employers should record what happened, why the normal rest was missed and when equivalent rest was made available.
It may be needed where staff miss required breaks, daily rest or weekly rest because of objectively justified work demands. Restaurants, hotels and event venues should be especially careful around late finishes and quick turnarounds.
Compensatory rest is equivalent rest provided where an employee cannot take the normal rest period at the usual time. It is intended to protect the employee's health and safety where working-time rules are disrupted.