Many young people work on a zero-hours contract.
That seems flexible, but in practice it often creates uncertainty. From one day to the next, you get no more shifts. No explanation, no notice, no pay.Can they just do that?
No, not always.In this blog, we clearly explain when an employer may stop calling you in and when they may not
, what rights you have and what you can do.
What exactly is a zero-hours contract?
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With a zero-hours contract:do you have
-
no fixed hours
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are you called in when there is work
do you only get paid for hours workedBut importantly: even with a zero-hours contract you are still an employee
. So you have rights.
Can your employer stop calling you in?
The short answer: sometimes yes, often no.
It depends on the situation.
Situation 1: you have been working fixed hours for a long time
-
Do you work:
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the same days for months?
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consistently the same number of hours?
according to a fixed pattern?Then there may be a legal presumption of working hours
.That means that your average number of hours counts as an agreement
is seen.👉 In that case, an employer may not simply
stop calling you in anymore.
Situation 2: no call-ups = dismissal in disguise
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Some employers try to “circumvent” dismissal by:
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not scheduling you anymore
-
saying nothing officially
hoping that you quit on your ownBut legally, this can be seen as termination of the contract
.And for that, there are dismissal rules
.
Situation 3: calling in sick with a zero-hours contract
Are you sick and does the employer then stop calling you in?Then that is suspicious
.
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Even with a zero-hours contract, the following may apply:
-
right to continued pay
protection against detriment due to illness“Then we’ll just stop scheduling you” is not a valid solution
.
Situation 4: the employer says nothing
No WhatsApp message, no email, no explanation.
Just silence.👉 That means not automatically
that you no longer have any rights.What’s more: often you are legally actually stronger
.
When is stopping call-ups allowed?
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An employer may stop issuing call-ups if:
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you really worked only occasionally
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there was no fixed pattern
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the contract terminates lawfully
there is a clear reason that is correctly applied
But even then, rules apply.
Are you entitled to wages without being called in?In some situations: yes
.
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For example if:
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you worked regularly
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you were available
the employer unjustly does not call you in
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Then you may be entitled to:
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continued payment of wages
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back pay for missed hours
sometimes compensation
What should you do if you are no longer called in?
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Use this step-by-step plan:
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Ask in writing why you are not being scheduled
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Check how long and how often you worked
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Keep schedules, app messages, and payslips
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Stay available for work
Get a legal review of whether this is allowed
Don’t immediately assume “it will probably be allowed”.
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Common mistakes made by young people
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thinking that a zero-hours contract gives no rights
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resigning on your own
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not getting in touch
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not keeping evidence
waiting too longThat’s a shame. In many cases there can be further action
be taken.
Are you unsure about your situation?
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Do you work with a:
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zero-hours contract
-
on-call contract
flexible part-time joband are you suddenly no longer being called in
?Then let us know Let’s check
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. Often it turns out that:
-
the employer is going too far
-
you are entitled to wages
the “quiet firing” is not valid
