It should be borne in mind the term ‘zero hours’ is a very loose expression and covers a variety of different contractual arrangements. Indeed the only attempt at defining such a contract was not made until the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 received royal assent on 26th March 2015. This definition was however limited to the purposes of a ban on exclusivity clauses in such contracts.
The definition, which was intended to give transparency to zero hours arrangements,is itself problematic and is ambiguous in several respects however the Redress Regulations under the Act did provide zero hours workers with much needed protection of unfair dismissal or detriment claims if they were denied the right to work elsewhere.
If you would like to discuss the use of zero hours contracts or other similar working arrangements further please contact a member of our Employment Team on 01905 721600