Zero hour contracts don't pay the bills?

Young people on zero hour contracts are having to look for additional work in order to keep up with the cost of living, according to recent research.

A study from the Resolution Foundation has found that half of zero hour workers are under the age of 30, only 18% of which are students working around their studies.

Zero hour contracts are employment contracts with no guaranteed working hours. They are said to offer flexibility, but for many young people they offer uncertainty and worry.

Laura Gardiner, the Senior Research and Policy Analyst from the Resolution Foundation said, “23% of those on zero hour contracts are looking for a different or additional job” in order to survive, as the cost of living rises.

signing on the dotted line does not always guarantee work. [Photography: Mike Hulme]

But there is also an issue with employers offering low hour contracts with the promise of more hours.

Chloe Devereux, 21, a Cardiff sales assistant said, “I left a 20-hour contract for a 4-hour contract with the promise of additional hours but they aren’t always available, which is worrying when it pays my bills.”

Zero hour contracts have caused national debate in recent months

Although the flexibility of zero hour contracts can be good for those with hectic lifestyles, the nature of the contract demands the employee to be available at all times.

This can lead to workers feeling obliged to take whatever they are given as they are afraid they will not be offered any more if they say no.

Unite Union said, “Zero hour workers have no guaranteed weekly hours or income and are only being paid for the hours that they do work.”

Because of the insecurity associated with zero hour contracts, the Labour party are considering banning zero hour contracts in 2015, if they come to power.

But zero hour contracts can be attractive to employers because they offer flexibility that fits changing demands of the work place and reduces costs of recruitment and training.

This can mean that employers do not have to give employee benefits, such as holiday pay.