TL;DR: Too long, Didn’t read
Yes, you have rights: You are likely a ‘worker’, which means you must get the National Minimum Wage and paid holiday.
You can work elsewhere: Your boss cannot legally stop you from getting a second job. “Exclusivity clauses” are banned.
You can say no: You have the absolute right to refuse any shift you can’t do.
The Catch: You don’t have a right to guaranteed hours, and it is easier for an employer to “ghost” you than fire you.
Zero-hour contracts are confusing. One week you’re busy, the next you have no work. It’s stressful and makes you wonder, “Do I even have any rights?”
Yes, you do.
Just because your hours aren’t guaranteed, it doesn’t mean your boss can treat you unfairly. The law protects you more than you think.
A Quick Story: Meet Maria
Maria works in a bar on a zero-hour contract.
Her boss texts her to work on Saturday, but she has family plans.
She texts back to say she can’t work the shift.
Her boss replies, “If you don’t come in, don’t expect any hours next week.”
Maria is worried. Can her boss do that? Does she have to say yes to every shift?
The Verdict: Maria was right to say no. Her boss is technically allowed to not offer hours next week (that is the downside of zero-hours), but he cannot “fire” her for refusing. This guide explains why.
Are You a ‘Worker’ or an ‘Employee’?
In UK law, your rights depend entirely on your “status.” On a zero-hour contract, you are almost always classified as a ‘Worker’.
What ‘Worker’ means: You have a flexible deal. Your boss doesn’t have to offer you hours, and you don’t have to accept them.
What ‘Employee’ means: This is a set contract. The boss must give you (and pay for) set hours, and you must work them.
This guide covers your rights as a ‘Worker’.
Your 5 Key Rights
As a ‘worker’, you have legal protections that your boss cannot ignore.
1. You MUST Get National Minimum Wage
This is non-negotiable. Your boss must pay you the correct minimum wage for your age for every single hour you work. They cannot pay you less just because you are “casual.”
2. You DO Get Paid Holiday
This surprises many people! You earn paid holiday time for every hour you work.
How it works: You accrue holiday pay (roughly 12.07% of your hourly pay).
The Rule: Your boss must let you take paid time off, or pay you this money when you leave the job.
3. You Can Get a Second Job
Your boss cannot stop you from working for another company.
Any clause in your contract that says “You can only work for us” (called an Exclusivity Clause) is illegal and unenforceable.
If your boss cuts your hours because you got a second job, you can take them to an employment tribunal.
4. You Have the Right to Refuse Work
Let’s go back to Maria. The whole point of a zero-hour contract is flexibility.
You have the legal right to say “no” to a shift.
Your boss cannot discipline you for this.
5. You Are Protected from Discrimination
Your boss cannot treat you unfairly because of who you are. This includes your age, disability, gender, race, religion, or pregnancy. If you stop getting shifts for one of these reasons, that is illegal.
What Rights Am I Missing?
It is important to be honest about the downsides. The flexibility of a zero-hour contract means you lose some security compared to a full ‘Employee’.
You generally do not get:
Guaranteed Hours: Your boss can give you 0 hours for weeks at a time.
Unfair Dismissal Rights: You usually cannot claim “Unfair Dismissal” unless you have been there for 2 years (and are an employee).
Redundancy Pay: You rarely qualify for this.
A Long Notice Period: Your contract can often be ended immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get sick pay? Maybe. You can get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), but only if you earn enough. You must earn an average of at least £125 per week (2025/26 rates) to qualify.
Can I be ‘fired’ for no reason? Technically, yes. Because your boss doesn’t have to give you hours, they can just stop offering them. This is effectively firing you, but without the paperwork. This is the main risk of zero-hour work.
Do I get a payslip? Yes! You have a legal right to a payslip on or before payday. It must show your hours and pay clearly.
Summary: Know Your Power
Even on a zero-hour contract, you are not powerless.
Remember:
Check your payslip (Minimum Wage).
Claim your holiday pay.
Say “no” to shifts you can’t do.
If you think your boss is breaking these rules, you can get free, confidential advice from Acas or Citizens Advice.
(Sources: Gov.uk – Zero Hour Contracts, Acas – Employment Status)
This guide is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws can change. Always consult a professional for specific workplace disputes.