What type of contract allows for flexible working hours without guaranteed work?

A zero hours contract is designed to provide flexibility for both the employer and the employee. Under this type of agreement, the employee is not guaranteed a specific number of hours per week, meaning there could be weeks where the individual does not receive any work at all. This arrangement allows employers to adjust their workforce based on demand without the obligation of providing consistent hours.

In contrast, a permanent contract generally assures a stable job with set hours, whereas a full-time contract typically comes with defined working hours that the employee is expected to fulfill each week. A part-time contract offers a reduced number of guaranteed hours compared to a full-time role, but unlike a zero hours contract, it does provide a fixed schedule or minimum hours. Thus, for those seeking to balance work with other commitments without the certainty of work every week, the zero hours contract stands out as the most suitable option.