Compliance
The working-time rules ShiftSync checks
Every roster is checked against the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. HR can switch to a starting point for their sector and adjust it to their bargaining council agreement or contracts.
Checked on every roster
Ordinary hours
45 hours a week, 9 a day on a five-day week or 8 on a six-day week (BCEA s9).
Overtime
At most 10 hours a week and 12 hours in a day in total, paid at 1.5 times (s10).
Compressed working week
Up to 12 hours a day on up to 5 days without overtime, with a written agreement (s11).
Rest
12 hours between shifts and 36 hours in a row each week (s15).
Meal intervals
A one-hour meal break after 5 hours of work is taken off paid hours (s14).
Sundays and public holidays
Counted separately and paid at the BCEA rates (ss16 and 18).
Night work
Hours between 18:00 and 06:00 are counted for night allowances (s17).
Minimum wage
Pay rates below the national minimum wage (R30.23 an hour) are flagged.
Sick notes
More than two days' sick leave in a row without a certificate is flagged (s23).
Starting points by sector
Sectoral determinations and bargaining council agreements can change these limits. Choose the closest starting point in Settings, then adjust it to the agreement that applies to you.
| Sector | Ordinary hours a week | Overtime a week, at most | Night work |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCEA general rules Basic Conditions of Employment Act, sections 9, 10 and 17. | 45h | 10h | 18:00–06:00 |
| Wholesale and retail Sectoral Determination 9 (Wholesale and Retail): night work is 19:00 to 07:00. | 45h | 10h | 19:00–07:00 |
| Hospitality Sectoral Determination 14 (Hospitality): overtime at most 10 hours a week and 12 hours in a day in total. | 45h | 10h | 18:00–06:00 |
| Private security Sectoral Determination 6 and the NBCPSS main agreement: 48 ordinary hours a week; up to 12 hours' overtime with a written agreement. Check the agreement in force. | 48h | 12h | 18:00–06:00 |
| Farm work Sectoral Determination 13 (Farm Worker Sector): up to 15 hours' overtime a week, 12 hours a day in total. | 45h | 15h | 18:00–06:00 |
Also worth checking for your business: the Employment Equity Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (for night shifts and working alone), COIDA and UIF registration, and, for security companies, PSIRA registration of every officer. ShiftSync helps with working time and records; it isn't legal advice.