The World of Zero Hour Jobs Understanding Your Employment Contract IM HIRED

The World of Zero Hour Jobs Understanding Your Employment Contract Answering your Employment Contract Questions Zero hour contracts are definitely a controversial subject. According to a survey conducted by  the ONS 26.6% of employees on these types of contracts want more hours. This begs the question why dont these contracts offer more stability? But before analysing the reasons for this lack of consistency in hours. What exactly is a zero hour contract? Well simply put its a employment contract that allows employers to hire staff with no guarantee of hours. So if youve just aced your interview and landed yourself a job but youre not sure what you should or shouldnt believe about this contract type, here are your questions answered. Why do Employers use Zero Hour Contracts? It offers an employer a flexible work force. Meaning theyre able to increase staff numbers during periods of peak and reduce numbers as workloads decline. This helps to maintain a balancing act without having to pay wages for employees who arent needed. Or have mass recruitment drives when work picks up pace. Who is on Zero Hour Contracts? The Office for National Statistics stated that between April and June 2017, 883,000 people were on these types of contracts. Typically, they were seen to be young people working on average 25.2 hours per week. Whilst there is no particular profile for a zero hour worker, its used for causal workers. Industries such as retail, production and hospitality to just name a few. What are your rights on a Zero Hour Contract? Youll have all the same employment rights as any other type of employee. The only exception being breaks (which are accrued based on hours worked.) Zero hour contractors are entitled to  holiday pay, national minimum wage  and payment for any work related travel. There is protection put in place to avoid any exclusivity clauses being added to your contract. (Basically meaning an employer cant insist you become a one job woman!) What is the notice period for these types of contracts? As youre not contracted to any hours a notice period isnt required. If you want to maintain a good relationship with an employer normally an agreed notice period would be carried out. Unfortunately  this works both ways. An employer doesnt have to give you any notice if work is no longer available. Are there any benefits of Zero Hour Contracts? The main benefit of this contract type is the ability to be flexible in your working hours. You have the right to agree or reject your working hours. If youve other commitments such as family responsibilities or youre in full time or part time education this could work better with your schedule. Do you get Holiday Pay with Zero Hour Contracts? Workers are also entitled to take paid leave and must also be paid any holiday that is owing to them when their employment contract is terminated. Holiday pay for zero hour contracts is its accrued on the average hours worked over a 12 week period. Meaning you will have to calculate your holiday entitlement.