Zero Hour Worker Flashcards
What is a zero hour worker?
A zero-hours contract, also known as a casual contract, is a work arrangement without any set hours. Instead, the employee is on call to work when they are needed.
Workers on zero hours contracts have very little employment protection.
Zero hours contracts are casual contracts with no guarantee of work to the worker.
There is no mutuality of obligation.
Zero hours contracts are paid according to the number of hours they work.
Some zero hours workers are employed under a contract of employment and so have employee status, at least while they are working.
Can a worker claim unfair dismissal?
If you’re legally classed as a worker, you cannot claim unfair dismissal. However, as a worker you might be able to argue that your contract being ended was actually a detriment.
What is Section 153 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015?
Employment protection given to workers on zero hours contracts has increased over recent years with the ban of exclusivity clauses in their employment contracts.
Section 153 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 provides that any provision in a zero hours contract which prohibits a worker from working elsewhere, whether with or without the employer’s consent, is unenforceable. However, a clear way for employers to avoid this protection is to provide a small amount of guaranteed hours to workers.
