Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about ChefMatch for chefs and businesses.
Credits
- What are Credits?
- Credits are ChefMatch's application currency for chefs. Chefs use Credits to apply for jobs. One Credit equals one day of work—for example, a 3-day shift costs 3 Credits. Credits are reserved when you apply and only spent when a restaurant selects you. If you are not selected, or your application expires or is rejected, reserved Credits are released back to your wallet.
- How many Credits does a job cost?
- Job cost is based on duration: 1 day = 1 Credit, 3 days = 3 Credits, and so on. The cost is shown clearly on each job before you apply.
- When are Credits used?
- Credits are reserved when you apply. They are only spent (deducted) when the restaurant selects you for the job. Until then, they stay in your wallet as reserved.
- Do I lose Credits if I am not selected?
- No. If you apply and are not selected—for example, the restaurant chooses someone else, or your application expires or is rejected—your reserved Credits are released back to your available balance. You only spend Credits when you are selected for the job.
- Do restaurants use Credits?
- No. Restaurants do not use or pay for Credits. Chefs apply to restaurant jobs using their Credits. Restaurants post jobs, review applications, and hire directly.
- How do chefs buy Credits?
- Chefs can purchase Credits in the app. Go to the Credits page and choose a credit pack. Payment is processed securely. You can also earn free Credits by referring chefs and restaurants.
- Can I earn free Credits?
- Yes. Refer chefs and restaurants to ChefMatch. When 5 referred chefs become active (complete profile and apply or buy credits), you earn 1 free Credit. When 2 referred restaurants become active (create profile and post a job), you earn 1 free Credit. See the referral section in your account for details.
- Can Credits be refunded?
- Purchased Credits are generally non-refundable except where required by law (for example, under UK consumer rights). If you believe you have been charged in error, contact support. Referral Credits may be withheld or reversed if we detect fraud, fake accounts, or abuse.
Referrals
- How does the referral system work?
- Chefs can invite other chefs and restaurants to ChefMatch. When a referred chef becomes active (profile complete and either applied to a job or purchased credits), they count toward your milestone. At 5 activated chefs you earn 1 Credit. When a referred restaurant becomes active (profile created and posted at least one job), they count toward your milestone. At 2 activated restaurants you earn 1 Credit. Self-referrals and fake referrals are prohibited. See our Terms for full rules.
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 using Credits. The contract for work is between the business and the chef.
- Does ChefMatch pay chefs directly?
- No. ChefMatch does not employ chefs or handle wages. Payment for work is between the chef and the restaurant. We provide the marketplace and the Credits system for applications. We do not process payroll or pay chefs on behalf of restaurants.
- Is ChefMatch an agency?
- No. ChefMatch is a marketplace, not an agency. We do not employ chefs or act as a staffing agency. Restaurants post jobs, chefs apply using Credits, and restaurants choose who to hire. The employment or contract relationship is direct between the chef and the restaurant.
- 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.
For Chefs
- 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.
- What happens if a job application expires?
- If your application expires without being selected (for example, the job is filled or the application window closes), your reserved Credits are released back to your wallet. You do not lose Credits when applications expire.
For Restaurants & Businesses
- 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 restaurants duplicate jobs?
- Yes. Use the Duplicate Job feature to copy a job to another date—tomorrow, next week, or any future date. It saves time for repeat or recurring shifts. Applications do not carry over; each duplicated job gets fresh applications.
- 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.
- 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.
Beta
- Is ChefMatch free during beta?
- During beta, some features may be free or discounted. We will tell you clearly before any changes to pricing, Credits, or subscriptions apply.
- Will pricing change later?
- We may change credit packs, referral rules, 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.
Can't find what you need?
Contact support