What’s the difference between ordinary hours of work vs spread of hours?

The difference between ‘ordinary hours of work’ and ‘spread of hours’ lies in what they define and how they are used in employment and industrial relations law. 

The Fair Work Ombudsman defines ordinary hours as the standard working hours of an employee, without receiving any additional pay for overtime as defined in their employment contract or relevant industry award such as the HPSS award.  

• example: 38 hours per week for full-time employees
• purpose: used to determine normal pay, leave accrual and when overtime applies
• daily limit: no more than 10 ordinary hours (exclusive of meal breaks) are to be worked in any one day.

The spread of hours under the HPSS award refers to the range of time during the day within which ordinary hours can be worked without triggering overtime rates. It sets the clock-time boundaries for when ‘ordinary hours’ can occur. It's the time between the earliest and latest start and finish times an employee can work:

• Day worker: 6am to 6pm Monday to Friday, unless otherwise stated.
  
   

If your practice falls under the definition of Private Medical, Pathology, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic or Osteopathic, the ordinary hours for a day worker are:

• 7.30am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and]
• 8am to 4.30pm Saturday.
   

It's important for employees and employers to understand the difference between ordinary hours and spread of hours, as it can impact an employee's pay and entitlements and their work-life balance.

If you require further information regarding any of the above, the Workplace Relations Team can be reached on 07 3872 2264 or through email support at workplacerelations@amaq.com.au for any queries or services you may require.

AMA Queensland Workplace Relations Phone: 07 3872 2264  Email: workplacerelations@amaq.com.au