Information for Parents
As a large employer of young people, we understand it is important that both you and your child feel comfortable with your child’s place of work.
Muffin Break is a great place for young people to start their working life.
Young people at Muffin Break not only learn how to make an amazing coffee they learn life skills that will help them in their future careers, such as communication, team work, punctuality, prioritization and problem solving.
Staff members at Muffin Break are trained through a structure of online courses and on the job training.
Here is an overview of some of the information that you might want to know and answers to some of the questions that you might have if your child works at one of our stores:
For parents of prospective employees
Below is a table that outlines the minimum age requirements to work at a Muffin Break.
| ACT | Written parental consent is required to employ persons under the age of 15. They cannot work during hours they are required to attend school, but may be employed for up to 10 hours a week with a maximum of six hours per day. Hours of work are not restricted for people aged 15 to 17. |
| TAS | There is no minimum legal age limit for starting work in TAS. However, persons under 16 cannot work during school hours. |
| QLD | Persons over 13 years of age are permitted to work with written parental consent. Persons under 16 cannot work during school hours. They cannot work more than four hours per day and 12 hours per week during school time. |
| NT | Persons under 17 years of age cannot work during school hours or between the hours of 10pm and 6am. |
| WA | Persons over 13 years may start work as long as they have written parental consent. Children under the age of 17 must not work during school hours and must not start work before 6am or finish after 10pm. |
| SA | There is no minimum legal age limit for starting work. However, persons under 16 cannot work during school hours. |
| VIC | Persons cannot start work until they are over 15 years of age. Persons under 16 cannot work during school hours and may not work more than three hours on a school day. They must finish work by 9pm. |
| NSW | There is no minimum legal age limit for starting work in NSW. However, persons under 15 cannot work during school hours. If under 17, persons cannot work full time with the intention of leaving school without speaking to their Careers Advisor and applying to leave school. |
What Award are Muffin Break employees hired under?
As Muffin Break stores have different store layouts and menus, they are covered by either
The Fast Food Award. Accessed here at https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/fast-food-restaurants-cafes/fast-food-industry
Or where there is seating usually, The Restaurant Industry Award. The award can be accessed here at: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/fast-food-restaurants-cafes/restaurant-cafes-industry
Will my child receive superannuation contributions ?
Staff members receive superannuation contributions of 10.5% of an employee’s ordinary time earnings if:
When an employee is paid $450 or more before tax in a month and is:
- over 18 years, or
- under 18 years and works over 30 hours a week.
What is the minimum shift length?
- Casual – Minimum shift is 3 hours
- Part Time – Minimum rostered shift is 3 consecutive hours.
When are breaks given?
An employee gets the following number of breaks, depending on the hours they actually work (not their rostered hours)
| Hours Worked | Rest Break (Paid) | Meal Break (Unpaid) |
| Less than 4 hours | No Break | No Break |
| 4 but less than 5 | 1 x 10 min | No Break |
| 5 but less than 9 | 1 x 10 min | 1 x at least 30 mins (up to 60 mins) |
| 9+ | 1-2 10 min* | 1 x* at least 30 mins (up to 60 mins) |
*One taken in the first half of the work hours and the second taken in the second half of the work hours, two rest breaks will be given unless a second meal break is provided.
Does my child need to buy their uniform?
All employees will be provided with a uniform that must be worn whilst at work. Employees may be required to pay a deposit of up to $50 for this uniform, however, if this is the case this deposit will be returned when the uniform is returned in a satisfactory manner. All employees are expected to look after and maintain their uniform, so that they are clean and tidy when at work.
When and how is my child paid?
Wages are paid either weekly or fortnightly depending on the Muffin Break cafe. Payment is to be made via EFT into your child’s nominated back account. The store will advise on which day of the week this will occur. Pay slips are to be issued within 24 hours of payment being received.
Is there anyone my child can talk to if they’re unhappy with anything?
We always encourage employees to speak with their manager first however we understand that isn’t always possible. Muffin Break has a dedicated Employment Hotline to discuss any issues you or your child may be experiencing.
Muffin Break has a dedicated Employment Hotline to discuss any issues you or your child may be experiencing. The details are as follows:
Phone: 1800 622 338
Mobile: 0421 885 008 (text message only)
Email: hr@foodco.com.au
