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Zero-hours contracts
Zero-hours contracts do not guarantee you any work. Sometimes, they can be useful. You have the freedom to work flexibly, without fixed hours.
Your employer may not pay you when you are on breaks.
Your income may change from week to week. This can make it hard to plan and more difficult to claim Housing Benefit.
Your employer will ask you what hours you can work. You will probably get 1 week’s notice or less.
Some employers are more flexible than others. If you refuse too much work, you may find that some employers may stop offering shifts.
You can have zero-hours contracts with different employers at the same time.
Your benefits and zero-hours contracts
The number of hours you work affects if you can claim:
- Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
Your employment rights on a zero-hours contract
Usually, if you are on a zero-hours contract, you are a ‘worker’ rather than an employee.
As a worker, you get employment rights such as:
An employer may not give notice if they stop wanting to employ you, so it is a good idea to keep in touch.
Read more about your rights as a worker:
‘Worker’ employment status and rights (GOV.UK)
Or contact ACAS employment helpline.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 13/02/2025
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