Opening and closing time
Openers usually arrive before the doors open to switch on and calibrate machines, set out pastries and count the float. Closers clean machines and cash up after the last customer. If you're required to do it, it's working time.
Example: a barista is paid from 7am but always arrives at 6:40am to open. That's 20 unpaid minutes a shift. Over 4 shifts a week it's £16.95 a week at £12.71, or about £881 a year.
Pay by age
- 21 and over: £12.71
- 18 to 20: £10.85
- 16 and 17: £8.00
- Some chains pay one rate for everyone. If yours doesn't, check the change in the first pay period after your birthday.
Card tips
Tips added on the card machine or left in the jar must be passed on to staff in full and shared fairly under the tips law. They come on top of your hourly pay and can't be used to bring you up to the minimum wage. Your employer has to have a written tips policy you can ask to read.
Short shifts, students and visas
Lots of baristas work short shifts around study. If you're on a Student visa, your term-time limit applies to all your jobs added together, Monday to Sunday. The student visa hours tracker adds them up.
Track it shift by shift
With Shiftaan you can mark each shift paid, part-paid or disputed, and see what every employer still owes you. It's free for up to 3 companies.
Common questions
Is time spent opening the shop paid?
Yes, if you're required to be there. It's working time.
Do baristas get the tips from the card machine?
Yes. All tips must be passed on to workers and shared fairly.
Can a coffee shop pay me less because I'm 19?
Legally yes. The minimum at 18 to 20 is £10.85, and many employers choose to pay more.