Do I get paid if my care home cancels my shift last minute?

Do I get paid if my care home cancels my shift last minute? | PlainSight | PlainSight

Your phone buzzes at 6am: "Don't come in." No explanation. No pay. You needed that money for rent. It feels unfair, but is it illegal?

This guide explains your rights in simple terms for 2026.

Is the 24 hour cancellation rule real?

Many carers believe there is a law saying: "If they cancel with less than 24 hours notice, they must pay me." This is false. There is no such law in the UK yet.

How much notice must they give you?

This is the most common question. The answer depends on when you ask it, as the law is changing.

Timeframe	Legal Notice Period
Right Now (2026)	None defined in law. It depends entirely on your contract.
From 2027 (New Law)	Employers must give "reasonable notice" of any change.

What is "reasonable"? The government hasn't decided yet. But for now, if your contract doesn't mention a notice period, they can technically change it right up until the start time. If you're also being denied breaks, that's a separate health and safety issue.

Am I Owed Pay? (Check Your Status)

Use this simple check to see if you should be paid.

Flowchart showing if a care worker is owed pay for a cancelled shift — Quick Check: Are you owed money?

Your Situation	Do They Have to Pay?
I have a Zero-Hours Contract	NO (Unless you arrived at work)
I have Contracted Hours (e.g. 36hrs/week)	YES (They must pay your full rate)
I was sent home early	MAYBE (Check contract for 'Short Time' clause)

What does the new 2027 law say about shift cancellations?

Good news is coming. The government signed a new law on December 18, 2025. It will force care homes to pay you for short-notice cancellations.

What it says: If a shift is cancelled late, you must get compensation.
When it starts: Not yet. The rules are expected to start in 2027.
What to do now: You still have to follow your current contract rules.

Do agency workers get paid for cancelled shifts?

If you work for an agency (like Newcross or Reed), you might get paid even if the care home cancels.

Check your Agency Handbook for a "Cancellation Policy." Many agencies pay 4 hours of wages if the home cancels with less than 4 hours notice. If they don't pay, ask them why.

What if I'm sent home early?

If you turn up to work and they say "Go home, we are quiet," this is different. If you have a contract for those hours, they must pay you. If you're off sick, check our sick pay guide to see what you're entitled to.

Example: You are contracted for 36 hours. They send you home after 20 hours. They legally owe you for the missing 16 hours.

What should I do if my shifts keep getting cancelled?

If your manager keeps cancelling shifts, do this:

Keep the text messages: Save every "don't come in" text.
Check your contract: Look for words like "Guaranteed Hours."
Report it: If you have contracted hours but aren't getting paid, call ACAS (0300 123 1100).

Is your manager chaotic with rotas?

Warn other carers before they apply.

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