Zero-hours contract

A zero-hours contract is a UK arrangement where the employer does not guarantee minimum hours and offers work as needed.

This is a UK term of art, not just a casual way to say irregular work. The worker stays on the books between shifts, and existing worker rights can still apply even when the hours vary. From 2027, further rights on guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts, and short-notice cancellation payments are due to begin, with timing still to be confirmed.

Also called: on-call employment (Canada), casual employment (Australia). Related: Rota, TOIL, National Minimum Wage.