What characterizes a zero hour contract?

A zero-hour contract is characterized by the employer not guaranteeing any minimum work hours to the employee. This means that while an employee is technically considered to be on the payroll and available for work, they are not assured of any specific number of hours they will work each week. This arrangement can provide employers with flexibility in staffing, allowing them to adjust the workforce according to demand without the obligation of offering a steady amount of work to every employee.

The nature of zero-hour contracts typically appeals to those who prefer flexible working arrangements, but it can also lead to uncertainty for employees regarding their income. As such, the hallmark of these contracts is the absence of any guaranteed hours, which distinctly sets them apart from traditional employment contracts that specify a certain number of hours to be worked each week.