Yes you can use your Countdown at any group in the country! If you're at a group which uses the Xpressweigh system, your card will have your record on it and you will show up as a Countdown member. If your group is still using the old paper system, you need to take your red vouchers with you to the substitute group to prove you're a Countdown member. SW don't recommend Countdowns for shift workers who, when they are working, can't attend ANY other group that week. As Ian says, that week is then lost and is non-refundable. Some consultants do flout the rules while their group is on paper and they give shiftworkers their weeks back but this is strictly against SW rules and they could get into trouble for it if they were found out. Once the electronic system is introduced into the group, the consultant has no choice other than to follow the rules to the letter. The system doesnt allow them to override missed Countdown weeks. Hope that helps! xxx