Zero hours contracts
A zero hour contract is an employment contract which provides no guarantee of the number of hours an employee may be required to work. Other employment rights are available but the key issue of how much an employee may get paid in any period is entirely dependent upon the employer.
Such contracts can be good for both workers and employers who want flexibility in their working hours. But equally some employers have been exploiting the rules, preventing workers from taking jobs elsewhere through the use of exclusivity clauses.
In July 2014, Vince Cable, Business Secretary, announced plans to ban these clauses, giving individuals on zero hours contracts the choice to find other work, should they want to.
Cable said: “Zero hours contracts have a place in today’s labour market. They offer valuable flexible working opportunities for students, older people and other people looking to top up their income and find work that suits their personal circumstances.
But it has become clear that some unscrupulous employers abuse the flexibility that these contracts offer to the detriment of their workers. Today, we are legislating to clamp down on abuses to ensure people get a fair deal.
Last December, I launched a consultation into this issue. Following overwhelming evidence, we are now banning the use of exclusivity in zero hours contracts and committing to increase the availability of information on these contracts. We will also work with unions and businesses to develop a best practice code of conduct aimed at employers who wish to use zero hours contracts as part of their workforce.”
This article was written by --Martinc 20:12, 29 July 2014 (BST)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Construction industry scheme.
- Intermediaries legislation.
- Out of hours working.
- Payroll companies
- Umbrella companies.
- What hours are construction sites allowed to operate?
- Working day.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.