What is a zero-hours contract in the UK?

A zero-hours contract (also called a casual or on-call contract) is one where the employer does not guarantee any minimum number of working hours. The employer offers shifts or work as and when needed; the worker can accept or decline. Zero-hours contracts are common in hospitality, retail, social care, and student employment.

Workers on zero-hours contracts have statutory rights including the National Minimum Wage for every hour worked, 5.6 weeks' holiday entitlement per year (pro-rated based on hours worked), rest breaks, protection against discrimination, and whistleblowing protection. Most zero-hours workers will be 'workers' rather than employees, which means they do not have unfair dismissal rights unless they also have employee status.

Since 26 October 2024, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 and subsequent regulations give zero-hours workers the right to request predictable working patterns after 26 weeks of service. From 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 will give qualifying zero-hours workers a right to be offered guaranteed hours reflecting their regular pattern — employers must make offers at the end of reference periods.