Zero-Hours Contract Template
A zero-hours contract lets you engage staff without committing to set hours, while still setting out pay, rights and expectations clearly. With employment law tightening in 2026, getting the terms right protects both you and the worker.
What this zero-hours contract covers
- The nature of the arrangement and that hours are not guaranteed
- Pay rate and how work is offered and accepted
- Holiday entitlement, which still accrues on hours worked
- Statutory rights that apply regardless of hours
- Notice and termination terms
When you need a zero-hours contract
- Hiring seasonal, casual or fluctuating-demand staff
- Engaging bank or relief workers
- Offering shifts without a fixed weekly commitment
The legal framework
Understanding the law behind a zero-hours contract helps you use it well. Here is the key UK legislation that applies:
Frequently asked questions
Do zero-hours workers get holiday pay?
Yes. Holiday entitlement accrues based on the hours actually worked, and the contract sets out how this is calculated.
Can a zero-hours contract be exclusive?
No. Exclusivity clauses in zero-hours contracts are banned — workers are free to work for others.
How Legal Lift helps
Answer a few plain-English questions and our AI generator produces a tailored zero-hours contract, ready to edit, download as PDF or Word, and e-sign with LegalSign. Every template is kept current with UK law, and our SRA-regulated solicitor partners are available if you'd like it reviewed.
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