Zero Hours Contract

Zero-Hours Contract: Create a Verified Casual Worker Contract

A verified zero-hours contract is an agreement under which an employer offers work as and when it is needed, with no minimum number of hours guaranteed. It sets out how work is offered and accepted, pay, holiday, what happens when shifts are cancelled and the worker's legal rights. Robot Lawyer drafts the contract from your answers, for the law of the country or state you choose. On the Verified plan, a legal professional checks it before you sign.

CONTENTS

What Is a Zero-Hours Contract?

A zero-hours contract gives flexibility to both sides: the business offers work when it needs it, and the individual can usually accept or decline. Clear written terms make sure the worker knows their rights and the business meets its legal obligations.

When Do You Need One?

• Seasonal or fluctuating demand
  Hospitality, retail, events and care.
• Cover and bank staff
  Covering absences and peaks in work.
• Flexible working
  People who want to choose when they work.

What's Included in Your Contract?

• The parties and start date
  The employer, the worker and when the arrangement begins.
• How work is offered
  How shifts are offered, accepted and cancelled.
• Pay
  The hourly rate, at least the minimum wage, and when pay is made.
• Holiday
  Holiday entitlement and holiday pay for irregular hours.
• Other work
  The worker is free to work for others.
• Ending the arrangement
  Notice, and the rights that continue.

Zero-Hours Rights (UK Only)

In the UK, a clause that stops a zero-hours worker from working for someone else is unenforceable. Zero-hours workers are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, paid holiday, rest breaks and a written statement of their terms. The Employment Rights Act 2025 is introducing further rights for zero-hours workers in stages, so check the current position when you issue the contract.

How It Works on Robot Lawyer

1. Answer the questions
   Tell us about the employer, the worker, the role and the pay.
2. Generate your contract
   We draft a complete zero-hours contract.
3. Get it verified
   On the Verified plan, a qualified legal professional checks the contract within 24 hours and makes amendments where needed. See how our documents are verified.
4. Sign it
   Both parties sign, and the worker gets a copy on or before their first day.

Zero-Hours Contract FAQs

Can a zero-hours worker refuse work?

Usually, yes. The arrangement works both ways: the employer doesn't have to offer work and the worker doesn't have to accept it.

Do zero-hours workers get holiday pay?

Yes. In the UK, holiday for irregular-hours workers builds up as they work, and can be paid as rolled-up holiday pay of 12.07% of pay for each period.

Is a zero-hours worker an employee?

It depends on how the relationship works in practice. Many are workers rather than employees, but status is decided by the facts, not the label.

Create a Verified Zero-Hours Contract

Offer flexible work on clear, lawful terms. Related documents: Contract of Employment, Employment Offer Letter, Job Description and Overtime Policy.