‘Zero hours contract’ is a non-legal term used to describe many different types of casual agreements between an employer and an individual.
Generally speaking, a zero hours contract is one in which the employer does not guarantee the individual any hours of work. The employer offers the individual work when it arises, and the individual can either accept the work offered, or decide not to take up the offer of work on that occasion.
Regardless of how many hours are offered, the employer must pay at least the National Minimum Wage.
Everyone employed on a zero hours contract is entitled to statutory employment rights. There are no exceptions.
A person will benefit from the employment rights associated with their employment status and individuals on a zero hours contract will either have the employment status of a ’worker’ or an ‘employee’.
Any individual on a zero hours contract who is a ‘worker’ will be entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage, paid annual leave, rest breaks and protection from discrimination.
