What is a Zero Hours Contract?

Business

Zero-hour contracts are also known as a ‘flexible contract’ or ‘contingency contract’. Zero-hour contract is a specific term employed to describe a kind of employment agreement between an individual employee and an employer whereby the latter is not legally obligated to give any particular minimum number of working hours each week to the individual. Normally, the term “zero-hours contract” is commonly used in the United Kingdom where the law mandates that an employee is entitled to a set number of work hours during any given period of time. This requirement has been imposed in order to ensure a level of equality among employees.

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In a nutshell, a zero-hours contract can work for some employees but not others. Some people love the flexibility of not having set hours. However, for others it means earnings are too sporadic and there is little certainty and ability to earn. Employers use the zero hour contract so that they don’t bear the cost of a full-time employee who is non-productive for large periods. If you think you’ve been treated unfairly by such a contract or any other reason, find out about a Constructive Dismissal Claim with Employment Law Friend

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An employee may also choose not to sign up for a zero hours contract because they prefer to be paid for working full time and so for them the flexibility provided by this kind of agreement is of little value. So what is a zero hours contract? It is one of the ways to ensure that the workforce is well-trimmed and maintained so that there is no slack labour within companies of all sizes and in all industries.

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