Zero Hours Contract ?

[EDDIE51]

I work as a casual worker for an agency, mainly as a kitchen porter.
Now the catering company I do most of the work for have offered me a 'Zero hours' contract to work for them direct rather then via the agency.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
As I see it I am at least no worse off.

[buildersmate]

Eddie, I'm aware you know a fair bit about these things (as you often contribute to others' questions).
The law and hence an Employment Tribunal differentiates between a 'worker', an 'employee' and a 'self-employed person. Both 'workers' and 'employees' benefit from having basic employment rights - covering for example, NMW and rights to prevent one being exploited.
Both 'casual contracts' and 'zero hours contracts' are examples of agreements that would normally constitute you being a worker, but without the wider benefits often provided to 'employees' of the organisation - sick pay, for example, except the right to Statutory Sick - which is part of basic employment rights.

I can't see that you'd be any worse off - indeed you may be better off because a zero hours contract will invariably mean that your contract is with the organisation, not the agency, who of course currently take a cut in exchange for dealing with your payroll admin. You may be able to agree that some or all of this cut comes to you.

[Hymie]

There have been a lot of articles in the press about these so called ‘zero hour’ contracts recently – mostly on the negative, where staff are moved to such a contract.

Based on what I have read, the down side is that although on contract with the employer – they are under no obligation to offer you any work, hence the zero hours.

If I was offered such a contract – I would make sure that I was free to work elsewhere (anywhere) when they are not able to offer me work and what the notice period is whereby I have to (am expected to) work the hours offered.

[EDDIE51]

Thanks people just about what I thought. The catering company are not going to use the agency unless it is an emergency as the agency charge them double what they pay me. I get £6.20 an hour but the people I work for get charged £12.45 by the agency. I intend to keep both options open so I can work for either of them.