What are zero-hour contracts?

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I just read a guardian article:




Jeremy Deller's artworks draw links between Victorian factories and zero-hours contracts




What are "zero-hours contracts"?







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    up vote
    10
    down vote

    favorite












    I just read a guardian article:




    Jeremy Deller's artworks draw links between Victorian factories and zero-hours contracts




    What are "zero-hours contracts"?







    share|improve this question






















      up vote
      10
      down vote

      favorite









      up vote
      10
      down vote

      favorite











      I just read a guardian article:




      Jeremy Deller's artworks draw links between Victorian factories and zero-hours contracts




      What are "zero-hours contracts"?







      share|improve this question












      I just read a guardian article:




      Jeremy Deller's artworks draw links between Victorian factories and zero-hours contracts




      What are "zero-hours contracts"?









      share|improve this question











      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question










      asked Jul 2 '15 at 15:15









      Tim

      603618




      603618




















          3 Answers
          3






          active

          oldest

          votes

















          up vote
          14
          down vote



          accepted










          Zero hour contracts are where you have an employment contract with a company, and thus are required to work when needed. However, you have no guaranteed weekly hours at all, so you can end up working 48 hours one week and none the next.



          They have been on the rise in the UK over the past few years for various professions, including ambulance personnel and shop workers. There is basically no upside for the employee, but loads of upside for the employer.



          If the employer doesn't need you one week, you don't get paid, but you have to be available if they do want you to work. Otherwise you can be in breach of your contract, so you can't run two or three or these contracts side by side just in case.






          share|improve this answer






















          • Sounds like most employment here in the US, no guaranteed hours but if you cant work your shift.....
            – WindRaven
            Jul 2 '15 at 18:29










          • @WindRaven how so? I've never heard of this. If you're talking that your schedule comes out and you're shorted hours that's hardly the same thing.
            – zfrisch
            Jul 2 '15 at 21:29










          • @zfrisch Some of the stores I worked at (early in my life) would post the schedule and it was never the same week to week. Shorted hours and some morning shifts some evening shifts. Where no one could grab a second job and have a reasonable expectation of being able to work both.
            – WindRaven
            Jul 2 '15 at 23:18






          • 6




            According to gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/… you don't have to be available to work. Zero hours goes both ways.
            – gnasher729
            Jul 3 '15 at 17:39






          • 2




            -1. This answer is outright wrong regarding "zero benefits" for the employee. The employee, by law, has EVERY right to refuse work in a zero-hour contract, so you CAN sign on to as many as you want. You are legally given authority to simply ignore those work banning clauses even if you sign it.
            – Nelson
            Jun 17 '16 at 1:48


















          up vote
          8
          down vote













          A zero hours contract is one that doesn't gaurantee particular hours of work. It just provides a framework for what the employee's responsibilities will be, how much they will be paid per hour etc.



          Legally at least in the UK a zero hours contract goes both ways, the Employer doesn't gaurantee work and the Employee doesn't gaurantee availability or exclusivity. https://www.gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/zero-hour-contracts



          The problem is that especially for low-level jobs (which tends to be where such contracts are mainly used) the balance of power strongly favors the employer. Sure in theory the employee can refuse shifts, either because of personal reasons or because they are working with more than one employer but in practice the employer is likely to replace them with someone more reliable. You are left with people who are theoretically "in work" but find it impossible to pull together enough hours to make a living income.






          share|improve this answer





























            up vote
            0
            down vote













            Essentially it's a casual arrangement - you contract to be available within certain parameters, but the employer only calls you in when there is actual work to be done. There is no guarantee of any specific number of hours (and therefore no guarantee of pay).






            share|improve this answer
















            • 2




              well no, not really. As Moo says the convenience is totally on the employer side, as someone on a zero hours contract you can't hedge and have 2 or more and pick who gives you the best that week. If you refuse you'll be in breach of contract, if it was casual you could say yes/no as suits.
              – The Wandering Dev Manager
              Jul 2 '15 at 20:57






            • 2




              @TheWanderingDevManager: The only thing the definition of a zero-hour contract specifies is that there are zero hours of guaranteed work. Nothing says such a contract can't have other terms, such as required notice or no-penalty refusal. Signing a contract that effectively forces exclusive employment with no guaranteed compensation is a very foolish move, and the people doing it are encouraging employers to continue the practice.
              – Blrfl
              Jul 3 '15 at 15:25






            • 1




              @TheWanderingDevManager: In the UK, by law an employee on a zero hour contract can ignore any contract terms that would force them to be available for work, or would stop them from looking for and/or accepting work elsewhere.
              – gnasher729
              Jun 16 '16 at 14:01










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            3 Answers
            3






            active

            oldest

            votes








            3 Answers
            3






            active

            oldest

            votes









            active

            oldest

            votes






            active

            oldest

            votes








            up vote
            14
            down vote



            accepted










            Zero hour contracts are where you have an employment contract with a company, and thus are required to work when needed. However, you have no guaranteed weekly hours at all, so you can end up working 48 hours one week and none the next.



            They have been on the rise in the UK over the past few years for various professions, including ambulance personnel and shop workers. There is basically no upside for the employee, but loads of upside for the employer.



            If the employer doesn't need you one week, you don't get paid, but you have to be available if they do want you to work. Otherwise you can be in breach of your contract, so you can't run two or three or these contracts side by side just in case.






            share|improve this answer






















            • Sounds like most employment here in the US, no guaranteed hours but if you cant work your shift.....
              – WindRaven
              Jul 2 '15 at 18:29










            • @WindRaven how so? I've never heard of this. If you're talking that your schedule comes out and you're shorted hours that's hardly the same thing.
              – zfrisch
              Jul 2 '15 at 21:29










            • @zfrisch Some of the stores I worked at (early in my life) would post the schedule and it was never the same week to week. Shorted hours and some morning shifts some evening shifts. Where no one could grab a second job and have a reasonable expectation of being able to work both.
              – WindRaven
              Jul 2 '15 at 23:18






            • 6




              According to gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/… you don't have to be available to work. Zero hours goes both ways.
              – gnasher729
              Jul 3 '15 at 17:39






            • 2




              -1. This answer is outright wrong regarding "zero benefits" for the employee. The employee, by law, has EVERY right to refuse work in a zero-hour contract, so you CAN sign on to as many as you want. You are legally given authority to simply ignore those work banning clauses even if you sign it.
              – Nelson
              Jun 17 '16 at 1:48















            up vote
            14
            down vote



            accepted










            Zero hour contracts are where you have an employment contract with a company, and thus are required to work when needed. However, you have no guaranteed weekly hours at all, so you can end up working 48 hours one week and none the next.



            They have been on the rise in the UK over the past few years for various professions, including ambulance personnel and shop workers. There is basically no upside for the employee, but loads of upside for the employer.



            If the employer doesn't need you one week, you don't get paid, but you have to be available if they do want you to work. Otherwise you can be in breach of your contract, so you can't run two or three or these contracts side by side just in case.






            share|improve this answer






















            • Sounds like most employment here in the US, no guaranteed hours but if you cant work your shift.....
              – WindRaven
              Jul 2 '15 at 18:29










            • @WindRaven how so? I've never heard of this. If you're talking that your schedule comes out and you're shorted hours that's hardly the same thing.
              – zfrisch
              Jul 2 '15 at 21:29










            • @zfrisch Some of the stores I worked at (early in my life) would post the schedule and it was never the same week to week. Shorted hours and some morning shifts some evening shifts. Where no one could grab a second job and have a reasonable expectation of being able to work both.
              – WindRaven
              Jul 2 '15 at 23:18






            • 6




              According to gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/… you don't have to be available to work. Zero hours goes both ways.
              – gnasher729
              Jul 3 '15 at 17:39






            • 2




              -1. This answer is outright wrong regarding "zero benefits" for the employee. The employee, by law, has EVERY right to refuse work in a zero-hour contract, so you CAN sign on to as many as you want. You are legally given authority to simply ignore those work banning clauses even if you sign it.
              – Nelson
              Jun 17 '16 at 1:48













            up vote
            14
            down vote



            accepted







            up vote
            14
            down vote



            accepted






            Zero hour contracts are where you have an employment contract with a company, and thus are required to work when needed. However, you have no guaranteed weekly hours at all, so you can end up working 48 hours one week and none the next.



            They have been on the rise in the UK over the past few years for various professions, including ambulance personnel and shop workers. There is basically no upside for the employee, but loads of upside for the employer.



            If the employer doesn't need you one week, you don't get paid, but you have to be available if they do want you to work. Otherwise you can be in breach of your contract, so you can't run two or three or these contracts side by side just in case.






            share|improve this answer














            Zero hour contracts are where you have an employment contract with a company, and thus are required to work when needed. However, you have no guaranteed weekly hours at all, so you can end up working 48 hours one week and none the next.



            They have been on the rise in the UK over the past few years for various professions, including ambulance personnel and shop workers. There is basically no upside for the employee, but loads of upside for the employer.



            If the employer doesn't need you one week, you don't get paid, but you have to be available if they do want you to work. Otherwise you can be in breach of your contract, so you can't run two or three or these contracts side by side just in case.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Jul 2 '15 at 20:29









            GreenMatt

            15.6k1465109




            15.6k1465109










            answered Jul 2 '15 at 15:22









            Moo

            5,91041723




            5,91041723











            • Sounds like most employment here in the US, no guaranteed hours but if you cant work your shift.....
              – WindRaven
              Jul 2 '15 at 18:29










            • @WindRaven how so? I've never heard of this. If you're talking that your schedule comes out and you're shorted hours that's hardly the same thing.
              – zfrisch
              Jul 2 '15 at 21:29










            • @zfrisch Some of the stores I worked at (early in my life) would post the schedule and it was never the same week to week. Shorted hours and some morning shifts some evening shifts. Where no one could grab a second job and have a reasonable expectation of being able to work both.
              – WindRaven
              Jul 2 '15 at 23:18






            • 6




              According to gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/… you don't have to be available to work. Zero hours goes both ways.
              – gnasher729
              Jul 3 '15 at 17:39






            • 2




              -1. This answer is outright wrong regarding "zero benefits" for the employee. The employee, by law, has EVERY right to refuse work in a zero-hour contract, so you CAN sign on to as many as you want. You are legally given authority to simply ignore those work banning clauses even if you sign it.
              – Nelson
              Jun 17 '16 at 1:48

















            • Sounds like most employment here in the US, no guaranteed hours but if you cant work your shift.....
              – WindRaven
              Jul 2 '15 at 18:29










            • @WindRaven how so? I've never heard of this. If you're talking that your schedule comes out and you're shorted hours that's hardly the same thing.
              – zfrisch
              Jul 2 '15 at 21:29










            • @zfrisch Some of the stores I worked at (early in my life) would post the schedule and it was never the same week to week. Shorted hours and some morning shifts some evening shifts. Where no one could grab a second job and have a reasonable expectation of being able to work both.
              – WindRaven
              Jul 2 '15 at 23:18






            • 6




              According to gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/… you don't have to be available to work. Zero hours goes both ways.
              – gnasher729
              Jul 3 '15 at 17:39






            • 2




              -1. This answer is outright wrong regarding "zero benefits" for the employee. The employee, by law, has EVERY right to refuse work in a zero-hour contract, so you CAN sign on to as many as you want. You are legally given authority to simply ignore those work banning clauses even if you sign it.
              – Nelson
              Jun 17 '16 at 1:48
















            Sounds like most employment here in the US, no guaranteed hours but if you cant work your shift.....
            – WindRaven
            Jul 2 '15 at 18:29




            Sounds like most employment here in the US, no guaranteed hours but if you cant work your shift.....
            – WindRaven
            Jul 2 '15 at 18:29












            @WindRaven how so? I've never heard of this. If you're talking that your schedule comes out and you're shorted hours that's hardly the same thing.
            – zfrisch
            Jul 2 '15 at 21:29




            @WindRaven how so? I've never heard of this. If you're talking that your schedule comes out and you're shorted hours that's hardly the same thing.
            – zfrisch
            Jul 2 '15 at 21:29












            @zfrisch Some of the stores I worked at (early in my life) would post the schedule and it was never the same week to week. Shorted hours and some morning shifts some evening shifts. Where no one could grab a second job and have a reasonable expectation of being able to work both.
            – WindRaven
            Jul 2 '15 at 23:18




            @zfrisch Some of the stores I worked at (early in my life) would post the schedule and it was never the same week to week. Shorted hours and some morning shifts some evening shifts. Where no one could grab a second job and have a reasonable expectation of being able to work both.
            – WindRaven
            Jul 2 '15 at 23:18




            6




            6




            According to gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/… you don't have to be available to work. Zero hours goes both ways.
            – gnasher729
            Jul 3 '15 at 17:39




            According to gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/… you don't have to be available to work. Zero hours goes both ways.
            – gnasher729
            Jul 3 '15 at 17:39




            2




            2




            -1. This answer is outright wrong regarding "zero benefits" for the employee. The employee, by law, has EVERY right to refuse work in a zero-hour contract, so you CAN sign on to as many as you want. You are legally given authority to simply ignore those work banning clauses even if you sign it.
            – Nelson
            Jun 17 '16 at 1:48





            -1. This answer is outright wrong regarding "zero benefits" for the employee. The employee, by law, has EVERY right to refuse work in a zero-hour contract, so you CAN sign on to as many as you want. You are legally given authority to simply ignore those work banning clauses even if you sign it.
            – Nelson
            Jun 17 '16 at 1:48













            up vote
            8
            down vote













            A zero hours contract is one that doesn't gaurantee particular hours of work. It just provides a framework for what the employee's responsibilities will be, how much they will be paid per hour etc.



            Legally at least in the UK a zero hours contract goes both ways, the Employer doesn't gaurantee work and the Employee doesn't gaurantee availability or exclusivity. https://www.gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/zero-hour-contracts



            The problem is that especially for low-level jobs (which tends to be where such contracts are mainly used) the balance of power strongly favors the employer. Sure in theory the employee can refuse shifts, either because of personal reasons or because they are working with more than one employer but in practice the employer is likely to replace them with someone more reliable. You are left with people who are theoretically "in work" but find it impossible to pull together enough hours to make a living income.






            share|improve this answer


























              up vote
              8
              down vote













              A zero hours contract is one that doesn't gaurantee particular hours of work. It just provides a framework for what the employee's responsibilities will be, how much they will be paid per hour etc.



              Legally at least in the UK a zero hours contract goes both ways, the Employer doesn't gaurantee work and the Employee doesn't gaurantee availability or exclusivity. https://www.gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/zero-hour-contracts



              The problem is that especially for low-level jobs (which tends to be where such contracts are mainly used) the balance of power strongly favors the employer. Sure in theory the employee can refuse shifts, either because of personal reasons or because they are working with more than one employer but in practice the employer is likely to replace them with someone more reliable. You are left with people who are theoretically "in work" but find it impossible to pull together enough hours to make a living income.






              share|improve this answer
























                up vote
                8
                down vote










                up vote
                8
                down vote









                A zero hours contract is one that doesn't gaurantee particular hours of work. It just provides a framework for what the employee's responsibilities will be, how much they will be paid per hour etc.



                Legally at least in the UK a zero hours contract goes both ways, the Employer doesn't gaurantee work and the Employee doesn't gaurantee availability or exclusivity. https://www.gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/zero-hour-contracts



                The problem is that especially for low-level jobs (which tends to be where such contracts are mainly used) the balance of power strongly favors the employer. Sure in theory the employee can refuse shifts, either because of personal reasons or because they are working with more than one employer but in practice the employer is likely to replace them with someone more reliable. You are left with people who are theoretically "in work" but find it impossible to pull together enough hours to make a living income.






                share|improve this answer














                A zero hours contract is one that doesn't gaurantee particular hours of work. It just provides a framework for what the employee's responsibilities will be, how much they will be paid per hour etc.



                Legally at least in the UK a zero hours contract goes both ways, the Employer doesn't gaurantee work and the Employee doesn't gaurantee availability or exclusivity. https://www.gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities/zero-hour-contracts



                The problem is that especially for low-level jobs (which tends to be where such contracts are mainly used) the balance of power strongly favors the employer. Sure in theory the employee can refuse shifts, either because of personal reasons or because they are working with more than one employer but in practice the employer is likely to replace them with someone more reliable. You are left with people who are theoretically "in work" but find it impossible to pull together enough hours to make a living income.







                share|improve this answer














                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer








                edited Jun 16 '16 at 12:48

























                answered Jun 16 '16 at 12:31









                Peter Green

                31136




                31136




















                    up vote
                    0
                    down vote













                    Essentially it's a casual arrangement - you contract to be available within certain parameters, but the employer only calls you in when there is actual work to be done. There is no guarantee of any specific number of hours (and therefore no guarantee of pay).






                    share|improve this answer
















                    • 2




                      well no, not really. As Moo says the convenience is totally on the employer side, as someone on a zero hours contract you can't hedge and have 2 or more and pick who gives you the best that week. If you refuse you'll be in breach of contract, if it was casual you could say yes/no as suits.
                      – The Wandering Dev Manager
                      Jul 2 '15 at 20:57






                    • 2




                      @TheWanderingDevManager: The only thing the definition of a zero-hour contract specifies is that there are zero hours of guaranteed work. Nothing says such a contract can't have other terms, such as required notice or no-penalty refusal. Signing a contract that effectively forces exclusive employment with no guaranteed compensation is a very foolish move, and the people doing it are encouraging employers to continue the practice.
                      – Blrfl
                      Jul 3 '15 at 15:25






                    • 1




                      @TheWanderingDevManager: In the UK, by law an employee on a zero hour contract can ignore any contract terms that would force them to be available for work, or would stop them from looking for and/or accepting work elsewhere.
                      – gnasher729
                      Jun 16 '16 at 14:01














                    up vote
                    0
                    down vote













                    Essentially it's a casual arrangement - you contract to be available within certain parameters, but the employer only calls you in when there is actual work to be done. There is no guarantee of any specific number of hours (and therefore no guarantee of pay).






                    share|improve this answer
















                    • 2




                      well no, not really. As Moo says the convenience is totally on the employer side, as someone on a zero hours contract you can't hedge and have 2 or more and pick who gives you the best that week. If you refuse you'll be in breach of contract, if it was casual you could say yes/no as suits.
                      – The Wandering Dev Manager
                      Jul 2 '15 at 20:57






                    • 2




                      @TheWanderingDevManager: The only thing the definition of a zero-hour contract specifies is that there are zero hours of guaranteed work. Nothing says such a contract can't have other terms, such as required notice or no-penalty refusal. Signing a contract that effectively forces exclusive employment with no guaranteed compensation is a very foolish move, and the people doing it are encouraging employers to continue the practice.
                      – Blrfl
                      Jul 3 '15 at 15:25






                    • 1




                      @TheWanderingDevManager: In the UK, by law an employee on a zero hour contract can ignore any contract terms that would force them to be available for work, or would stop them from looking for and/or accepting work elsewhere.
                      – gnasher729
                      Jun 16 '16 at 14:01












                    up vote
                    0
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    0
                    down vote









                    Essentially it's a casual arrangement - you contract to be available within certain parameters, but the employer only calls you in when there is actual work to be done. There is no guarantee of any specific number of hours (and therefore no guarantee of pay).






                    share|improve this answer












                    Essentially it's a casual arrangement - you contract to be available within certain parameters, but the employer only calls you in when there is actual work to be done. There is no guarantee of any specific number of hours (and therefore no guarantee of pay).







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Jul 2 '15 at 15:22









                    Julia Hayward

                    12k53438




                    12k53438







                    • 2




                      well no, not really. As Moo says the convenience is totally on the employer side, as someone on a zero hours contract you can't hedge and have 2 or more and pick who gives you the best that week. If you refuse you'll be in breach of contract, if it was casual you could say yes/no as suits.
                      – The Wandering Dev Manager
                      Jul 2 '15 at 20:57






                    • 2




                      @TheWanderingDevManager: The only thing the definition of a zero-hour contract specifies is that there are zero hours of guaranteed work. Nothing says such a contract can't have other terms, such as required notice or no-penalty refusal. Signing a contract that effectively forces exclusive employment with no guaranteed compensation is a very foolish move, and the people doing it are encouraging employers to continue the practice.
                      – Blrfl
                      Jul 3 '15 at 15:25






                    • 1




                      @TheWanderingDevManager: In the UK, by law an employee on a zero hour contract can ignore any contract terms that would force them to be available for work, or would stop them from looking for and/or accepting work elsewhere.
                      – gnasher729
                      Jun 16 '16 at 14:01












                    • 2




                      well no, not really. As Moo says the convenience is totally on the employer side, as someone on a zero hours contract you can't hedge and have 2 or more and pick who gives you the best that week. If you refuse you'll be in breach of contract, if it was casual you could say yes/no as suits.
                      – The Wandering Dev Manager
                      Jul 2 '15 at 20:57






                    • 2




                      @TheWanderingDevManager: The only thing the definition of a zero-hour contract specifies is that there are zero hours of guaranteed work. Nothing says such a contract can't have other terms, such as required notice or no-penalty refusal. Signing a contract that effectively forces exclusive employment with no guaranteed compensation is a very foolish move, and the people doing it are encouraging employers to continue the practice.
                      – Blrfl
                      Jul 3 '15 at 15:25






                    • 1




                      @TheWanderingDevManager: In the UK, by law an employee on a zero hour contract can ignore any contract terms that would force them to be available for work, or would stop them from looking for and/or accepting work elsewhere.
                      – gnasher729
                      Jun 16 '16 at 14:01







                    2




                    2




                    well no, not really. As Moo says the convenience is totally on the employer side, as someone on a zero hours contract you can't hedge and have 2 or more and pick who gives you the best that week. If you refuse you'll be in breach of contract, if it was casual you could say yes/no as suits.
                    – The Wandering Dev Manager
                    Jul 2 '15 at 20:57




                    well no, not really. As Moo says the convenience is totally on the employer side, as someone on a zero hours contract you can't hedge and have 2 or more and pick who gives you the best that week. If you refuse you'll be in breach of contract, if it was casual you could say yes/no as suits.
                    – The Wandering Dev Manager
                    Jul 2 '15 at 20:57




                    2




                    2




                    @TheWanderingDevManager: The only thing the definition of a zero-hour contract specifies is that there are zero hours of guaranteed work. Nothing says such a contract can't have other terms, such as required notice or no-penalty refusal. Signing a contract that effectively forces exclusive employment with no guaranteed compensation is a very foolish move, and the people doing it are encouraging employers to continue the practice.
                    – Blrfl
                    Jul 3 '15 at 15:25




                    @TheWanderingDevManager: The only thing the definition of a zero-hour contract specifies is that there are zero hours of guaranteed work. Nothing says such a contract can't have other terms, such as required notice or no-penalty refusal. Signing a contract that effectively forces exclusive employment with no guaranteed compensation is a very foolish move, and the people doing it are encouraging employers to continue the practice.
                    – Blrfl
                    Jul 3 '15 at 15:25




                    1




                    1




                    @TheWanderingDevManager: In the UK, by law an employee on a zero hour contract can ignore any contract terms that would force them to be available for work, or would stop them from looking for and/or accepting work elsewhere.
                    – gnasher729
                    Jun 16 '16 at 14:01




                    @TheWanderingDevManager: In the UK, by law an employee on a zero hour contract can ignore any contract terms that would force them to be available for work, or would stop them from looking for and/or accepting work elsewhere.
                    – gnasher729
                    Jun 16 '16 at 14:01












                     

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