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The term casual worker is often used to describe someone who isn’t guaranteed a set or regular number of hours’ work. Instead, they tend to work as and when they’re required to. Sometimes, they’re referred to as ‘zero hour’ workers. Legally, they’re different from employees and have fewer rights.
They have fewer rights than employees, but they still have rights to:
A casual worker contract is very different to an employment contract or a self-employed contract. It should explain that a set number of hours is not guaranteed but that the worker will be offered hours as and when the need arises. It should also explain what the work will be and what payment will be made for it. It’s important to get the wording right and you should speak to an employment lawyer if you need help with that.
Yes. If a worker has got a zero-hour contract, their employer can’t stop them from working for another employer as well.
With casual workers, employers should also remember that they’re responsible for:
If a casual worker (whose contract says they’re not guaranteed regular hours) starts working regular hours over a period of time, they might have a case for arguing that they’ve become entitled to guaranteed hours, much like employees of that employer. An employer should therefore keep an eye on whether the reality of the arrangement between worker and employer matches the written contract in place.
If you need any advice on casual workers or casual worker contracts, please contact a member of our employment law team in confidence here or on 02920 829 100 for a free initial call to see how they can help.
To speak to one of our experts today, please contact us on 02920 829 100 or by using our Contact Us form for a free initial chat to see how we can help.
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