Rights of Employees on Zero-Hour Contracts

Acas has conducted a survey that found that 61% of workers are unaware of rights held by those on zero-hour contracts.

Although those on a zero-hour contract are not guaranteed any minimum working hours, they are still classed as employees or workers and are therefore entitled to many of the same rights as those on any other kind of contract.

These rights include:

• The National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage

• Paid holiday

• Rest breaks

• Protection from discrimination

• Receiving payslips

Workers on a zero-hour contract are also protected from being caused "detriment" due to their status as a zero-hour worker. They are entitled to be treated the same as your other employees. They should not be subject to any bullying or poor treatment on account of their contract. They also should not be overlooked for promotion or training opportunities.

Soon, workers on a zero-hour contract will also be entitled to request a more predictable working pattern. See our recent blog for more information on this.