Zero hours contracts.

[PJ87]

It's not a new phenomenon, I've known people over the years in that situation. Equally I know people nowadays earning in excess of a £100k a year for working less hours than I used to . My mortgage probably averaged 11% during its lifetime and, like Golfmmad my wife didn't work until my son started school as a choice we made

Just because it’s not new doesn’t make it right tho.

 

[chrisd]

Just because it’s not new doesn’t make it right tho.

Nor does it make it wrong. Sadly life isn't easy for everyone and it's as it's ever been

 

[Golfmmad]

We are lucky . Both grandmothers can cover childcare 3 days a week between them if I need, my mum is phased retirement and her mum dropped one day once they cleared their mortgage

Mrs went back part time so has the other 2 days off. Weekends she’s always off

I just fill in when needed.

However couldn’t afford that if I wasn’t in a job with a regular fixed income that covers all the bills. I couldn’t imagine not knowing what was coming in would scare me

When I look back I never worried about too much after going full time self employed - and commission only! It was before then with a salaried position and a second job when I found it a real struggle to pay the mortgage - even going 3 months behind at one point. It was only after taking the 2nd job that I was able to pay off the arrears. Best thing I did going full time self employed and earned some good money in the better times.

I have to say that it's nice to no longer have a mortgage to find - but there are still plenty of other bills to pay.

 

[MegaSteve]

ZHC's are another way business has taxpayers subsidise its profits...
As, for many, we'll have to make up the shortfall [in income] to allow folk to house, feed and clothe themselves...

 

[SocketRocket]

You ever run a business?

I have, I've run a very successful and profitable business where everyone had contracted hours of employment.
As I said Zhcs do suit some people and some types of business need them but there are far too many that use them to exploit people and often the most vulnerable. People need investing in and motivating to give their best. If anyone believes that many employers don't use these contracts ruthlessly in a selfish manner then they are IMO very naive.

 

[Tashyboy]

For some companies like sports direct it is massively wrong coupled with the fact they were paying brderline minimum wages. It showed the worst of whats wrong with ZHC.
Then at the other end i can understand it is fantastic for students etc.
Coupled with the fact that for a couple of generations this government and many other companies have cut down on the ( cost of ) training and been more than happy to import skills ( and i use that term very loosely). It is something that i hope this government and companies seriously look at.

 

[MegaSteve]

Coupled with the fact that for a couple of generations this government and many other companies have cut down on the ( cost of ) training and been more than happy to import skills ( and i use that term very loosely). It is something that i hope this government and companies seriously look at.

Yep, our membership of the EU has allowed [encouraged] business and government to get 'lazy' with provision/funding of training/education...

 

[SocketRocket]

For some companies like sports direct it is massively wrong coupled with the fact they were paying brderline minimum wages. It showed the worst of whats wrong with ZHC.
Then at the other end i can understand it is fantastic for students etc.
Coupled with the fact that for a couple of generations this government and many other companies have cut down on the ( cost of ) training and been more than happy to import skills ( and i use that term very loosely). It is something that i hope this government and companies seriously look at.

what's wrong with a student having a contract for say 10 to 20 hours a week for a three months period. Zero hours contracts represent lazy and manipulative employers.

 

[Tashyboy]

what's wrong with a student having a contract for say 10 to 20 hours a week for a three months period. Zero hours contracts represent lazy and manipulative employers.

Maybe said student dont want a contract👍 Maybe he wants the flexibility of “i can do 40-60 hours this week but not next week”.

 

[SocketRocket]

Maybe said student dont want a contract👍 Maybe he wants the flexibility of “i can do 40-60 hours this week but not next week”.

That would be Ok if the employee opts into zero hours or is working a probation period. Zero hours shouldn't be forced on employees after this.