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Employment United Kingdom For businesses

Zero Hours Contract Compliance Check

Check whether your use of zero hours contracts complies with the Employment Rights Act 2025 and new guaranteed hours rules.

Start free check 9 questions · 7 minutes · No signup
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Did you know? The numbers behind this check.

  • 1.1 millionWorkers on zero hours in the UK
  • 26 weeksGuaranteed hours request window
  • 2025ERA 2025 in force
  • +34% YoYTribunal claims upheld 2024-25

Why this matters.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 fundamentally changes how zero hours contracts work in the UK. Workers on zero hours arrangements who have regular hours now have a statutory right to request guaranteed hours — and employers must respond within 26 weeks. Using zero hours contracts to avoid employment obligations, or failing to offer contracts that reflect actual working patterns, now carries significant legal risk including tribunal claims and civil penalties.

Beyond the new rights, zero hours workers still benefit from statutory protections that many employers overlook: national minimum wage for every hour worked, paid annual leave accrual, and protection from detriment for refusing shifts. The ICO and HMRC have both flagged zero hours arrangements as a compliance hotspot. Getting this right is no longer optional — it is a legal baseline that applies from day one of engagement.

Have these to hand.

  • A list of any workers currently engaged on zero hours contracts
  • Records of hours worked by those workers over the past 12 weeks
  • Copies of current zero hours contract templates
  • Knowledge of whether any workers have raised complaints or requests about hours

What you’ll get.

  • 1A score out of 100Where you stand today, at a glance.
  • 2Findings ranked by riskWhat could cost you, highest risk first.
  • 3A plan with timeframesWhat to fix first and by when.

Use this free tool to check whether your zero hours contract arrangements comply with the Employment Rights Act 2025 and existing worker protections. Get a personalised action plan in minutes.

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General guidance only, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor or adviser in your jurisdiction for specific issues.