Have you ever worked a shift during the daylight saving time transition in October or April? With daylight saving due to begin in a few weeks’ time, make sure you’re across how you will be paid by reviewing the FAQs compiled by the Member Rights Centre team at the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association.

When is daylight saving?

Daylight saving time begins on the first Sunday in October at 2AM when clocks are put forward one hour. It ends on the first Sunday in April at 2AM (3AM daylight saving time) when clocks are put back one hour.

How should I be paid if rostered on when daylight saving begins or ends?

Generally, employees are to be paid according to the start and finish times that appear on the clock. That means if they are rostered when daylight saving begins, they will be paid for one hour more than actually worked. If they are rostered when daylight saving ends, they will be paid one hour less than actually worked.

In the private hospital and aged care sectors, any relevant enterprise agreement should always be consulted in the first instance, otherwise the above approach will apply.

Why is it paid this way?

This approach is reflected in a decision of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission in 1971 and reflects the longstanding practice in the health sector. It is also consistent with the advice of the Fair Work Ombudsman applicable to workplaces throughout Australia.

This may not seem intuitive, however it is certainly simpler from an administrative perspective and facilitates appropriate staffing coverage by adhering to the usual roster and without disturbing the contracted hours of employees.

How can I be compensated for the lost hour of pay?

Please note that while staff will be paid an hour short if they’re rostered when daylight saving ends, there is an opportunity to gain an additional hour’s pay when daylight saving begins. Employers should, as far as practicable, roster the same staff on for shifts that cover the commencement and conclusion of daylight saving. You should discuss this with your manager in advance of the roster being published.

While the employees rostered on at the commencement of daylight saving might not always be the same employees rostered on at the conclusion of daylight saving, it is anticipated that the gains and losses would approximately balance over the course of a nurse or midwife’s career.

How should I be paid if I work overtime when daylight saving begins or ends?

In the private sector, overtime worked across the beginning or end of daylight saving will be paid according to the start and finish times that appear on the clock, in the same way described above for ordinary hours worked.

However, in the public health system, the IRC’s decision in 1971 determined that overtime should be paid differently from ordinary hours. In the public health system overtime is to be paid according to the actual hours worked.

Should you require further advice about working during the daylight saving changeover, members are encouraged to contact our Information Team on 02 8595 1234 (Metro) or 1300 367 962 (Rural) or by emailing us at gensec@nswnma.asn.au