New guidance – zero hours contracts

On 28 August 2026, the government published new guidance on zero hours contracts. The guidance includes information on how to use zero hours contracts, employee rights and alternative arrangements.

The guidance has been published in advance of potential measures coming into force under the Employment Rights Act 2025. The zero hours measures in the Act have not yet taken effect. The government’s manifesto committed to ending one-sided flexibility and providing employees with the right to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts, changes to shifts and payment for cancelled, curtailed or shifts moved at short notice. A consultation was launched to seek stakeholder views which closed at the end of August.

A zero-hours contract is a causal agreement between an employer and employee whereby the employee is not guaranteed any work. Such contracts are generally used for seasonal work and are often used for roles such as exam invigilators and supply staff.

A link to the guidance can be found here.

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