Young people are more likely to work a zero hours contract than anyone else – so what is it, and what do you need to know?
As of 2021, 917,000 people in the UK work on a zero hours contract. That’s about 2.3% of the country’s workforce. The 16-24 age group has consistently been the most represented demographic working this kind of contract.
But what is a zero hours contract and what does it mean for you?
What is a Zero Hours Contract?
In a nutshell, a zero hours contract means that you are employed but that your employer does not guarantee you a minimum number of working hours each week.
Zero hours contracts appear in many different sectors but are particularly prevalent in industries such as retail, food service, leisure and hospitality, and health and social care.
Zero hours contracts are controversial, with many trade unions and other workers’ rights organisations considering them unfair and exploitative. But they are a reality of the current labour market and don’t look set to disappear any time soon. So what are the pros and cons and how can you make them work for you?
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Zero Hours Contract?
Pros
Zero hours contracts give you flexibility. For students with busy schedules and lots of demands on their time, this can be a blessing. If you’re asked to work a shift that conflicts with your class schedule, you can simply refuse it.
There’s also the possibility that a zero hours contract could lead to a fixed hours or permanent role, or even lay the groundwork for a full time job when you graduate. This is never a guarantee, but working a zero hours contract as a student can be a good way to get your foot in the door.
Finally, when you’re a student, any work experience is a positive thing. Your zero hours contract job will enhance your skills, add to your CV, and give you something to talk about in future job interviews.
Cons
The main downside of a zero hours contract is that your income is not guaranteed. This can be very stressful, since money is often tight for students. And if you are not actually given any working hours (or are given very few), you won’t enjoy those skill-enhancing and CV-building benefits we just discussed.
Zero hours contract workers also don’t have access to many of the benefits that permanently contracted employees do. For example, you’re not entitled to redundancy pay if you’re laid off, your employer does not have to give you notice before ending your employment, and you will not be eligible to join your employer’s pension scheme.
Working a zero hours contract can also be taxing on your social life and work-life balance. Yes, you can turn down shifts you don’t want, but if you do this too often your employer may stop asking you. You may find yourself missing social events or struggling to plan your social life because of your unpredictable work pattern.
How to Make Zero Hours Contracts Work for You
The reality is that, as a student looking for part-time work, you’re very likely to encounter zero hours contracts. Here are a few ways you can make them work for you.
Know Your Rights
Contrary to popular belief, zero hours workers do have some rights. As a zero hours contract worker, you are entitled to:
- The national minimum wage for your age group
- Holiday pay based on the hours you work
- Pay if you’re asked to be “on call”
- Rest breaks at work and between working days or shifts
- Statutory sick pay as long as you earn at least £120 per week (before tax) from that employer on average
- Freedom from bullying, harassment, or unfair treatment based on protected characteristics
The best way to protect your rights at work is to join a trade union for your industry. They can advise you and help you to ensure that your rights are upheld.
Take More than One Job
Since 2015, it has been illegal for employers to use exclusivity clauses in zero hours contracts. This means that your employer cannot stop you from having a second job or penalise you for working for somebody else.
So for example, if you wanted to take a Saturday job in a shop and then pick up zero hours contract bar work on other days, you can do that. Many students make ends meet by working more than one part-time job in this way.
Be Clear About Your Availability Upfront
When you take a zero hours contract, let your manager (or whoever schedules your shifts) know your class schedule and any other firm commitments. The best way to do this is to put it in writing, such as by sending an email. They might not remember it all, but this should cut down on the number of unsuitable shifts you’re offered.
By being clear about your availability and then reliably showing up to work when asked, you show your employer that they can depend on you. This can lead to more hours, if that’s what you want.
Take Extra Hours When They’re Offered
Many zero hours jobs go through busy and less busy periods. For example, entertainment and hospitality industry jobs are likely to be busier at weekends, and retail gets much busier before Christmas. During these periods, you may be offered additional hours.
If possible, it’s a good idea to take these hours when they’re offered. You’ll earn more money, which can help to make up the shortfall from quieter weeks, and you’ll get a reputation as someone who volunteers to pitch in when it’s needed.
Take Unsociable Shifts if You Can
This isn’t universally true, but unsociable shifts (such as night work, Sundays, and public holidays) can often come with a boost in pay. This might be called “time and a half” or “double time”. If you can do so without compromising your health, class schedule, or other commitments, picking up these shifts can give your income a serious boost!
Is it Right for You?
Zero hours contracts aren’t for everyone, and they are controversial for good reason. But for some people, they can work very well. If you’re seeking flexibility and can live with the variable income, working zero hours contract jobs can be a great way to bring in some much-needed cash and get some work experience on your CV while you study.
You know best if this type of work is right for you, so do your research and weigh up the pros and cons before you dive in.
