Zero hours

By this arrangement, workers are contracted for a basic working time of zero hours. All hours actually worked are therefore additional. These contracts do not specify particular hours - the worker may be required at any time.

This provides maximum flexibility for the employer and limits his or her obligation to provide regular work or pay a fixed, regular salary.

Good practice discourages the use of these contracts. Though they are currently legal they can prove exploitative to workers when improperly managed.

Care should be taken in the event regular additional hours are worked, as the additional hours of work may become an implied contractual term through custom and practice.

Reviewed and updated by the HR Services Partnership – April 2010.

Back to Contracts, Terms and Conditions of Employment.