“YEUK would like to thank workplace experts Acas for providing useful links to further online information and support services available”
When it comes to the various contracts that are presented for employment there is a common source of confusion for many! Do we sign a full-time or a part-time, or maybe even a zero-hours contract? There are perfectly adequate justifications for taking any of these contracts, so our sense of direction in such matters could quite easily get befuddled.
Great for those who have the time and the skills required to get the job and also time to commit. University and college studies for example, or those with families to care for, it might seem hard to negotiate a full-time contract. Everyone has the right to request flexible working hours, which might help balance various priorities with full time work: see Acas website: www.acas.org.uk/flexibleworking for more information, including a video that explains more. The working time of a young worker mustn’t be any more than eight hours a day/forty hours a week and full time hours comes with many benefits including a stable and predictable income.
Those who are interested and benefit from a ZHC appreciate the sense of flexibility from any employment they take on. According to the workplace experts Acas this type of contract has no legal definition. However, it is understood that the flexibility benefits both the employer and the employee. The employer is not obliged to provide a minimum of working hours, while the worker does not have to accept the hours that are on offer. The flexibility of this is likely to benefit those who are currently free lancing with the benefits of holidays and also sick pay. However, with the sheer openness of a Zero Hours Contract and the full understanding of how this can benefit when you have bills to pay produces a very prominent instability.
This would leave the part-time option as something of a compromise between the two. This form of employment which many may find particularly reasonable particularly when you are legally to receive the same benefits as full time employees, if an employer holds back from giving you any benefit that is in place for a full time employee they are to reasonably justify why in writing. This contact is able to provide a solidarity which is lacking in zero-hours, while not requiring the rigid commitment of full-time.
All things considered, there are many options available for those searching for a job – see Acas first job guidance including tips to prepare and stuff on types of contracts: www.acas.org.uk/firstjob. It cannot be denied that there is truly a contract for everyone in the world of work. It is always in your best interest to read your contract if you are unsure seek advice –
Acas Helpline call 0300 123 1100 or Acas Helpline online are there to help and give free advice on all work place questions!
‘YEUK would like to thank workplace experts Acas for providing useful links to further online information and support services available”
