Rosters & Breaks at Dunnes Stores

Rosters – What You’re Entitled To

Dunnes Stores staff are entitled to fair and reasonable scheduling in line with Irish employment law and the terms of your contract.

Key Entitlements:

You must receive your roster at least 1 week in advance; any changes should be by mutual agreement.

Dunnes state they will endeavour to give up to 4 weeks’ notice where possible.

Rosters should cover a full 7-day period.

Shift lengths will vary — a typical week may include 3 to 6 hour and 6 to 8 hour shifts.

You cannot be rostered for more than 5 days per week, which may include Sundays and/or Public Holidays.

You must not be rostered for less than your minimum weekly contracted hours, excluding unpaid breaks.

Banded Hours – A Quick Reminder

If you’ve been working more hours than your contract states over the past 12 months, you can request to be placed on a banded hours contract that better reflects the hours you actually work.

Click here for more information

If you’re being rostered below your contracted or banded hours, or given late or inconsistent rosters, speak to your Shop Steward or local Mandate office.

Flexibility Clauses

Dunnes contracts include clauses requiring flexibility in your working arrangements:

Flexibility in hours and days worked, including late nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays.

Management may request that you work up to one hour beyond your scheduled finish time, but this should only occur occasionally and not as a routine practice.

Roster changes can be made on weeks 2, 3, and 4, but week 1 should only be changed through mutual agreement.

Breaks – What You’re Entitled To

Your right to breaks is protected under Irish law and company policy. Breaks must be agreed with your manager.

Standard Break Entitlements:

More than 4.5 hours but less than 6 hours:
→ 20-minute break
→ (30-minute break if under 18)
More than 6 hours:
→ 30-minute break
If your shift is more than 6 hours and includes 11:30am–2:30pm:
→ You are entitled to a consecutive 1-hour break, which must occur during that time window

Important Notes:
Breaks must not be taken at the beginning or end of your shift

Breaks must be approved by your manager

You must receive at least 11 consecutive hours of rest between shifts

You are entitled to at least one full 24-hour rest period each week

What to Watch For

Late or last-minute roster changes without your agreement

Not receiving at least one week’s notice of your roster

Being consistently rostered below your contracted or banded hours

Having your minimum contract hours made up of unpaid breaks — your minimum contracted hours refer to the minimum number of hours you must be paid for each week

Not receiving proper breaks during shifts

Breaks being denied, delayed, or shortened

Being expected to work repeatedly past your finish time without pay or notice

Mandate is Here to Help

Mandate is committed to ensuring all Dunnes members:

Receive fair rosters with proper notice
Are given their full break and rest entitlements
Are protected from unreasonable or unfair scheduling practices

Need help with rosters or breaks?

Talk to your Shop Steward, contact your local Mandate office, or visit our Contact Page.