When utilising zero hour contracts it can be difficult to understand appropriate use. Zero hour contracts are useful when the pattern of work is irregular, or in sectors where there is not a constant demand for staff, such as hospitality, leisure, or catering. New businesses may well use zero hours contracts whilst building an initial customer base, but in order to avoid a tribunal claim it is important to know what could be classed as inappropriate use of a zero hour contract.
Put simply, zero hour contracts should not be used as a permanent arrangement if it is not justifiable.
If you employ or manage staff and you are either using or considering a zero hour employment contract, speak to Employer Advice for bespoke advice on how to handle the situation, tailored to business owners and employers.
Professional, Actionable Advice for Employers
Can I Use a Zero Hours Contract for My Staff?
If you’ve got staff who are currently employed on a zero hours basis or you are taking on new staff on the same basis, it’s important to deal with the situation correctly. Employer Advice provides telephone-based advice, 24/7, 365 days a year to employers utilising zero hour employment. The role of Employer Advice is to keep your business safe and legally compliant.
We recommend these steps:
- Call us NOW for a FREE 15-minute phone consultation with our experts to ensure the contract is lawful.
- We can offer a complimentary critique of your current documentation and go through any non compliance.
- (Optional): Book a free follow-up call if you have any further questions.
Understanding Zero Hours Contracts
Understanding Zero Hours Contracts as an Employer
Our team of specialists can ensure that you follow the correct procedure, saving you time and money.
Employer Advice has a team of CIPD-qualified experts who can guide you through the entire process and ensure that you have maximum legal protection. Call 0800 470 0611 for immediate legal advice.
Check out some of the questions we regularly receive:
- Can my employee work for a competitor if they are on a zero hour contract?
- Do I need to give my employee a minimum number of hours on a zero hour contract?
- Should I use zero hours contracts for gig economy staff?
- Do I need to pay staff National Minimum Wage on a zero hour contract?
- Does the National Living Wage apply to a zero hour contract?
- What employment status is someone on a zero hour contract?
- Do I need to pay holiday entitlement to a zero hour employee?
- What are my health and safety responsibilities for zero hour workers?
Zero Hours Contracts
How Do You Know if a Zero Hours Contract is Appropriate?
If you run a business where your shift patterns fluctuate, zero hours contracts might be the right type of contract to offer. That said, you need to understand your obligations. You don’t need to guarantee regular work to employees but they still retain employment rights.
Why not call Employer Advice to get our comprehensive guide to zero hours employment.
That way, you can take the guesswork out of running your business and save time, money and stress.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Assisting Employers For More than 40 Years
For some employers, zero hours contracts are extremely commonplace. Whether they are common or not for you, make sure that you use them correctly to avoid litigation.
Employer Advice have a team of specialists who can help with zero hours employment challenges, keeping your business safe.
Book your FREE 15-minute consultation TODAY