Full-continuous

In a full-continuous system production runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Teams rotate across early, late and night shifts including weekends, usually in a fixed pattern of several days on and several off, with the highest shift premiums as compensation.

What do the rosters look like?

Full-continuous usually runs with five crews rotating in a fixed pattern, for example two earlies, two lates, two nights and then several rest days. You work on average less than 38 hours a week (often around 33.6) because weekend and night work weigh heavier, but you do work when others are off.

What does it pay?

Full-continuous pays the highest premiums of all systems: count on 20 to 30 percent on top of base pay, sometimes more with weekend supplements, plus extra leave days in many agreements. Combined with the favourable tax regime for shift and night work, it is often the best paid roster for operators and technicians without a leadership role.

The flip side

The roster rules your life: weekends and public holidays are ordinary working days, and your social calendar bends to the pattern. In return you are often free on quiet weekdays, and the fixed pattern is predictable years ahead. Also read working in shifts: pros and cons or browse our full-continuous vacancies.