Zero-hours contracts
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of zero-hours contracts, recent UK legislative changes, and good practices to follow
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of zero-hours contracts, recent UK legislative changes, and good practices to follow
Unlike a traditional contract of employment, a zero-hours contract offers no guarantee of work. Many employers use such contracts to cover situations where work fluctuates, and many individuals also find this to be a suitable working arrangement. However, there has been criticism of their widespread use in the UK. Although there is currently no legal definition for a zero-hours contract, employers need to ensure that written contracts contain provisions setting out the employment status, rights and obligations of their zero-hours staff.
This factsheet examines the business rationale for considering zero-hours contracts in the workplace, and the issues to consider when using zero-hours contracts. It also examines legal changes surrounding zero-hours contracts and puts forward good practice recommendations for areas where employers might need to improve their working practices.
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