Help / Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How do I create an account?
Click Start Free Trial, follow the setup wizard, and you'll be scheduling in minutes. No credit card required for the 32-day free trial.
Is there a setup wizard?
Yes. The setup wizard collects your venue details, roles, and initial workers so you can publish your first schedule quickly. You can edit anything later.
Scheduling
Can I copy schedules from previous weeks?
Yes. Use Copy Previous Week (or copy a single day) in the Schedule view. Adjust shifts as needed and publish when ready. You can also save unlimited templates for recurring patterns or events.
How do I handle breaks and overlapping shifts?
Add Paid/Unpaid Break roles with quick-assign buttons. CaterShift prevents overlapping shifts and flags conflicts in real time, so you can resolve issues before publishing.
Can I adjust a shift if someone returns late?
Yes. On mobile or desktop, edit the shift start/end times and CaterShift updates hours and costs immediately. Many teams save money by adjusting start times when a worker begins late or returns late from a break.
Workers & Roles
How do I invite staff to use CaterShift?
Go to Team → Invite New Member, enter their email, and assign a role and competence level. They'll receive a secure invitation to set their password.
What role types are supported?
Six role types: Paid Work, Paid Break, Unpaid Break, Paid Leave, Unpaid Leave, and Unpaid Overtime. These power validation and reports so costs are always accurate.
How does unavailability work?
Add recurring or specific unavailability (e.g., holidays, exams). You can enforce strict rules or allow optional overrides. When assigning, only eligible workers (correct competence & availability) are suggested.
Compliance & Law
Does CaterShift check the Working Time Directive?
Yes. Live validation checks breaks, daily/weekly maximum hours, rest periods, shift spacing, and more for the UK. You can customise rules if required. This reduces risk of disputes and saves time and money.
Can I select different countries rules?
Yes. In Employment Law settings you can select a country and tailor the rules for your venue if needed.
Reports & Costs
What reports are available?
Filterable, printable reports with interactive graphs: All Paid Hours/Costs, Paid Breaks, Paid Leave, Unpaid Breaks, Unpaid Leave, and more. A finance view shows hours & costs by day, role, and worker.
Can I track hours planned vs filled?
Yes. A quick overview shows Hours Planned vs Filled so you can close gaps before service.
Billing & Trial
How much does CaterShift cost?
Premium features from £1.37 per day, fixed pricing—never based on number of sites or users. A free plan is available if you're just getting started.
Is there a free trial?
Yes, 32-day free trial with no credit card required. You can switch to the free plan or upgrade to Premium at any time.
Security & Access
Do staff need to install an app?
No. CaterShift is web-based and works on smartphone, tablet, and computer. Schedules open via link—zero installs.
How does authentication and access control work?
Secure authentication protects your data. Each CaterShift customer has one Master account, which can invite/remove other users and restrict access to relevant data only.
Support
How can I contact support?
We provide human, UK-based support. Email support@catershift.com.