Are you thinking of signing a zero-hours contract and need to know the key things before you can enter it? Well, you are at the right place.
The Zero Hours contract is becoming very popular in the workplace. It is basically an agreement between employer and employee where they both agree to work together without any proper timings. For example, an employee will work when it’s available which means the pay and job security is uncertain.
But that doesn’t mean it is useless. Whether offering flexibility or creating a work-life balance, it offers benefits for those who want to work various jobs at the same time.
If you are thinking of signing this contract, there are some key things you need to know about.
Come on! Let’s learn what they are.
Key Things to Consider Before Signing Zero-Hours Contract
1. No Hours Guaranteed
Let us make one thing clear about the zero-hours contract is that there are no hours guaranteed. Sometimes you might have to work 5 hours a week, other times you won’t get any project for months.
It all depends on your employer and workload. Remember they are no way obliged to give your regular assignments. So if all this is okay with you, only then consider signing this contract. Or else it is not for you.
2. Check the Contact Details
Don’t rush into signing the contract at any cost. Instead, take your time and review the details. Furthermore, ensure that you understand the terms of the zero-hours contract, which are related to pay, holidays, notice periods, and shifts. Also, remember these contracts are always negotiable.
Therefore, if you need to make any changes, feel free to communicate with them. Don’t feel any pressure; instead, tell the employers about your desired pay expectations.
This way, both you and your employer can be stress-free.
3. Learn About Your Rights
When signing the zero-hours contract, ensure you know your rights.
If you already do, that’s good. However, if not, here is what you must know about:
- You can say no to the project you don’t want to work on.
- Furthermore, when working, you can take breaks as you wish. There must be no restriction.
- A zero-hours contract means you can seek other jobs while working on the previous ones.
- Getting holiday pay is your ultimate right.
Always be clear about your rights. When signing the contract, make sure the employer fulfils all this. If not, don’t sign it.
A Pro Tip: If you want to learn more about the rights of employees in this contract, consider reading this blog: What are ZERO-Hours CONTRACT? Definition, Advantages & Disadvantages.
4. Record Keeping Is Essential
If you are thinking of getting into a zero-hours contract, remember that record keeping is essential. Tracking your working hours can help you know what amount you are due.
Additionally, ask your employer for the payslips and keep them organised.
5. National Minimum Wage
The zero-hours contract employees under 19 years old are entitled to the minimum wage under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 which is at least 11.5 per hour. This is just a general amount. It may increase depending on your age and working experience. Just make sure you are not getting anything below this.
Furthermore, always check for specific regulations that apply to your location.
Are you curious about learning about the wages and zero-hour contract, consider connecting with the CIPD Assignment Helpers services. They will help you understand everything and make the right decision.
6. No Long-Term Stability
When entering the zero-hours contract, remember that there is no long-term stability. Sometimes you may earn more while other times you might struggle to make ends meet.
Therefore, even if you enter this contract, it is better to have a backup plan in case you don’t get any projects. This way, you will have money coming in from different streams.
7. It Does Offer Flexibility
Yes! The Zero-hours contract offers flexibility for both employees and employers. You can accept or decline the shift according to your desire. The best part is you can choose your working hours. It’s like freelancing, where you can even take up other odd jobs. So, if you think this is what you want, don’t hesitate to sign up for these contracts.
So, there you go- the key things you must know when entering the zero-hours contract. Now, let’s discover who it is for and how you can make it work.
Who Should Enter the Zero-Hours Contract
The zero-hours contract does offer perks to employees, like flexibility. However, it is not for everyone. You should only consider these contracts under the following conditions:
- You are okay with earning minimum wage.
- Furthermore, if you want the flexibility or need to work part-time. For example, if you are a student who needs to earn some cash while studying, you can definitely go for these contracts.
- If you work in the retail or hospitality industry, consider going for these contracts.
Important Considerations Before Signing
Hold on! We are still not done! Now that you know everything about the zero-hours contract, here are some key considerations. This will help you work out these contracts easily.
They include:
- As we told earlier there is no stable income. So if you have a family to support, it is better to plan your finances properly. Make sure you are prepared for any setback and can manage income fluctuations.
- Furthermore, you should consider legal advice if you have any legal concerns about the contract. Make sure you understand each point carefully before entering the contract.
- Communicate with your employer. Be clear about your working hours, minimum wage and desired work pattern.
- You can even connect with the employment agencies.
Wrapping Up!
So, that is a wrap! For those individuals thinking of signing the zero-hours contract, there are key things you need to consider before. By knowing your rights, keeping records, learning about minimum age and checking the contract details, you can know it is for you. Furthermore, do consult the legal authorities if you have any concerns.
