In April 2016 the Government passed the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2016 which saw a number of changes in employment law, including legislating against the use of “Zero-hour” contracts in employment agreements.

A Zero-hour contract is where an employee is required to be available to work as and when required by an employer but without any guarantee of a minimum number of hours.

Employers who have a clause to this effect have until April 2017 to ensure all previous and future employment agreements comply with the new law. Employers should also consider their management practices and ensure that they are providing employees with hours agreed upon, or that any variation (more or less hours) is consented to by both parties.

If you are unsure if your employment agreements comply please contact us 0800 15 8000.

Published by Employers Assistance 16th Jan 2017.