Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about ChefMatch for chefs and businesses.

General

What is ChefMatch?: ChefMatch is a UK marketplace that connects professional chefs with restaurants, hotels, schools, care homes, caterers, events, and private clients for short-term and flexible work. We are not an agency: we provide the platform so that businesses can post jobs and chefs can apply directly. Payments are processed securely through the platform.
Is ChefMatch an agency?: No. ChefMatch is a marketplace. We do not employ chefs or act as an agency. Businesses post jobs, chefs apply, and you choose who to work with. The contract for work is between the business and the chef. ChefMatch only provides the platform and charges a transparent platform fee (2% for restaurants, 3% for chefs on completed work).
Who can use ChefMatch?: Chefs who want short-term or flexible kitchen work in the UK, and businesses that need professional kitchen cover—including restaurants, hotels, schools, care homes, caterers, and events. You must have the right to work in the UK and comply with our Terms and Conditions.

How do I get paid?: After you complete a shift, you submit your invoice through the platform. Payments are processed securely. We aim for weekly pay runs so you are not left waiting. A 3% platform fee applies on completed work; it is shown before you commit and deducted automatically from your payment.
How often can I invoice?: You submit an invoice for each completed shift (or as set out in the platform). Pay runs are typically weekly. You will see the exact timing and any platform fee before you confirm a booking.
What fees do chefs pay?: Chefs pay a 3% platform fee on completed work. The fee is shown clearly before you commit to a shift and is deducted automatically when you are paid. There are no hidden fees. ChefMatch only earns this fee; the rest is paid to you.
When do I see restaurant details?: Your identity and contact details stay private until a restaurant selects you. Once they accept your application, you receive the full job details (including venue name, address, and contact) so you can accept or decline.
Can I work for multiple restaurants?: Yes. You choose which jobs to apply for and which to accept. There is no exclusivity. You can work for as many different businesses as you like through the platform.

How many chefs can I hire per job?: You can post a job for one chef or for multiple chefs. When you create the job, you specify how many chefs you need. This is useful for events, busy periods, or covering several stations.
Can I hire chefs last minute?: You can post a job whenever you need cover. Chefs see new jobs and can apply quickly. How fast you get applications depends on the role, location, and time. There is no minimum notice period set by ChefMatch.
What fees do restaurants pay?: Restaurants and businesses pay a 2% platform fee on completed bookings. The fee is shown clearly before you confirm a booking and is deducted automatically when payment is processed. There are no hidden fees.
How do payments work?: Chefs submit their invoice through the platform after the shift. You pay securely through the platform. ChefMatch does not take the full payment; we only deduct the 2% platform fee. The rest goes to the chef. Everything is recorded for your records.
Can I remove a chef if they don't show up?: If a chef does not show up or you need to cancel, you should use the platform to record this and contact support if needed. Repeated no-shows or cancellations can lead to account restrictions. See our Terms and Conditions and Help Centre for the current cancellation and no-show policy.

Is ChefMatch free during beta?: During beta, subscriptions may be free. The platform fees (2% for restaurants, 3% for chefs on completed work) still apply when you complete a booking or receive payment. We will tell you clearly before any paid subscription or other fee changes apply.
Will pricing change later?: We may change platform fees or introduce subscription pricing in the future. We will give you notice before any change applies to you. Continued use after a change constitutes acceptance unless you close your account. See our Terms and Conditions and Platform Fees page.

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