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Stories from staff on zero hour contracts

Posted by Andrea Bowmanon Nov 19, 2013 | 4 commentsThe term “zero hours contract” has been bandied about a lot recently, but what is it? They are essentially a formalised version of what used to be known as “casual” work, or “temping”.These contracts are between an employee and their employer, and the number of hours an employee will be expected to work in a week will vary. There is no guaranteed minimum number of hours that the employee will be allocated, (hence the “zero” part), and also no maximum, although typically this wouldn’t exceed 48 hours, and very rarely over 60. These types of contracts are prominent in the retail, catering and hospitality sectors, but can be found in other industries too.But what’s it like to actually work a zero hour contract? We spoke to three people who’ve worked on this type of contract to find out what it’s like and whether they enjoyed it.

Cleaner

Unsurprisingly these kinds of contracts are not suitable for everyone. But Tom, 22 found that cleaning for a university on a zero hour contract worked well for him.“It gave me freedom and flexibility to work the hours I wanted. As my first role after graduating it was great to earn money, gain experience and still be able to enjoy my summer and explore other opportunities at the same time”, says Tom.Tom says he would happily take on another contract too, “I think there’s a greater sympathy towards jobseekers due to the economic climate, and so I’m happy to take on another contract in order to keep adding to my CV and not worry about a full-time, permanent role until I’m more experienced”.

Teacher

Julia, 28 is a teacher and has had a less positive experience with zero hour contracts.“I really enjoy teaching but found it difficult to secure a permanent job. Not wanting to turn down the opportunity of work, I kept my mind open by taking a zero hour contract” says Julia.Unfortunately Julia found the inconsistency of her hours made it difficult to manage her finances. “The hours were largely dictated by the availability of other staff, and I was predominantly providing sickness cover. It was completely unpredictable, and some weeks I would work no hours at all. It was frustrating because I could have taken on other work, but I was unable to commit to anything else just in case I was called in last minute”.

Customer service assistant

Dylan, 31 has mixed and somewhat philosophical feelings about his zero hour contract. “I’m currently living at home and am starting out in a career in stand-up comedy. My contract works for me because I’m lucky enough to not have many financial commitments”However he does appreciate that not everybody has his circumstances: “It must be incredibly tough if you have responsibilities, but I suppose if you’re in that situation you would try to obtain something more stable”He also looks at the situation from both sides: “I can see the logic from the employer’s perspective as it can help them manage their costs more effectively, but you need the right kind of employees that are happy with the unpredictability of it so that it’s mutually beneficial”.Luckily all three employees found they were treated the same as the permanent members of staff that they worked with. In a market where there is an increase in this style of employment, it’s encouraging to hear that some of the myths of being treated differently because of your contract can be dispelled.What do you think of zero hour contracts? Let us know in the comments box below!

About the author: Andrea Bowman

Andrea is a graduate from Lancaster University Management School. She has worked as a recruitment consultant for the past two years and is currently studying for her Certificate in Recruitment Practice. She enjoys writing about all things recruitment and employment.View Andrea Bowman's other postsView Andrea Bowman's web page

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4 Comments

Ray Jones Friday, 22 Nov, 2013 at 12:26 pmThey are a disgrace and should be banned it is simply a way off not give people any employment right .It also means that you get no loyalty from your workersReplyMikeeTeevee Friday, 22 Nov, 2013 at 12:26 pmRarely have I heard of anyone that has a positive experience with zero hours unless it is being used by both the employee and employer in mind. Most of the time, they are used to punish and strangle people financially enough to make them leave without firing them.As they seem to be used in the lowest paid work, I would say they are unhealthy. If people want the flexibility of work, they should be contracting. Zero hour contracts are an amoral practice. Business can effectively constructively dismiss anyone they want by simply not giving them the hours they need to survive.ReplyBrendon Friday, 22 Nov, 2013 at 12:28 pmI was put on to a Zero hour contract and to be honest as a young family it is the worst possible way to work! You can’t manage your finances and it seems like a win win for the company as they don’t have to pay you for annual leave and sick pay. If at any stage you ever felt like just a number then a zero hour contract will make ou feel that way. It should be done away with ASAP!Replynorrie Friday, 22 Nov, 2013 at 12:28 pmThese contracts should be banned! They are a licence to use people for garbage wages and hourly. Rates, scab labour and uselessReply

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