The shift ends when the kitchen's clean
KP shifts are often rota'd to finish at a set time, but the work isn't done until the last pots are washed and the floor is mopped. Any time you're required to stay is working time.
Example: a KP is rota'd 5pm to 11pm with a 20-minute unpaid break, so they're paid for 5 hours 40 minutes. They actually leave at 12:15am most nights. That's 1 hour 15 minutes of unrecorded work a shift. Over 5 shifts that's 6.25 hours, or £79.44 a week at £12.71.
Agency kitchen porters
Many KPs work through catering agencies, sometimes at several venues a week. The agency pays you, not the venue, so timesheets need signing at the end of each shift. After 12 weeks in the same role at the same venue, you're entitled to the same basic pay as the venue's own KPs.
Shoes, whites and certificates
Some kitchens require safety shoes or a Level 2 food hygiene certificate. Your employer can ask you to pay for these only in a way that doesn't take your pay below the minimum wage for that pay period. Safety equipment that's needed to protect you, such as gloves for chemicals, should be provided free.
Tips
If the venue shares tips among back-of-house staff, its written tips policy will say how. You're entitled to ask for a copy and for your own tips records.
Track it shift by shift
Keep a dated record of every shift on your phone with Shiftaan. It's the evidence you'll want if your pay is ever wrong. Try it.
Common questions
Should I be paid for staying late to finish washing up?
Yes. If you're required to stay, it's working time.
Can my employer charge me for safety shoes?
Protective equipment needed for your safety should be free. Other costs can't take your pay below the minimum wage.
Do kitchen porters get tips?
If the venue's tips policy includes back-of-house staff, yes. Ask for a copy of the policy.