Zero-Hours Contracts – The Rule May Change
If you already employ, or are considering employing domestic and household staff on a so-called “zero hours” contract, then you will need to keep up-to-date with possible changes for those working on this regime.
A forthcoming review reportedly suggests that those on such contracts be given the right to request a move to a fixed number of hours so their work pattern and earnings are more predictable.
The suggestions, it seems, are contained in the government commissioned report by Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Arts, into modern employment practices which is due to be made public this summer.
Although only the request may become a right, similar to regulations such as the right to request flexible working, employers will have to provide serious reasons to refuse the request. An employer’s refusal of an eligible employee request for flexible working must be based on one or more specific grounds, such as the burden of additional costs, or an inability to reorganise work among existing staff.
The number of people on zero hours contracts hit a record high of 910,000 in the autumn of 2016. For the decade up to 2011, fewer than 200,000 people were engaged on zero hours contracts. Most recent surveys show the use by employers of “zero-hours” contracts has slowed.
At present it is a case of watch this space.
The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.