Zero-hours contract vs Part-time (guaranteed hours)
Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.
Flexible lifestyle needed, secondary income, students, some care roles.
Financial security needed, mortgage application, benefits assessment, childcare planning.
| Aspect | Zero-hours contract | Part-time (guaranteed hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed hours | None | Yes |
| Notice period | Usually 1 week (if any) | Statutory minimum |
| Holiday pay | Yes (12.07% of hours worked) | Yes (pro-rata) |
| Sick pay | Statutory only | Statutory minimum (often more) |
| Mortgage/rental applications | Difficult | Easier |
| Guaranteed hours (Employment Rights Act 2025) | Right to guaranteed hours expected from 2027 (not yet in force) | N/A — already guaranteed |
Frequently asked
Are zero-hours contracts legal?
Yes in the UK. However, 'exclusivity clauses' (forbidding zero-hours workers from working elsewhere) have been banned since 2015. The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Royal Assent 18 December 2025) will add a right to guaranteed hours for zero-hours and low-hours workers, with the detailed rules expected through regulations from 2027, so check GOV.UK for the current position. The earlier Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 right to request predictable hours was never brought into force.
Can I get Universal Credit on a zero-hours contract?
Yes. Universal Credit adjusts monthly based on your actual earnings — ideal in theory for variable income. In practice, the monthly assessment cycles don't align perfectly with irregular pay dates, sometimes causing unexpected payment gaps or overpayments that must be repaid.
Frequently asked questions
Are zero-hours contracts legal?
Yes in the UK. However, 'exclusivity clauses' (forbidding zero-hours workers from working elsewhere) have been banned since 2015. The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Royal Assent 18 December 2025) will add a right to guaranteed hours for zero-hours and low-hours workers, with the detailed rules expected through regulations from 2027, so check GOV.UK for the current position. The earlier Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 right to request predictable hours was never brought into force.
Can I get Universal Credit on a zero-hours contract?
Yes. Universal Credit adjusts monthly based on your actual earnings — ideal in theory for variable income. In practice, the monthly assessment cycles don't align perfectly with irregular pay dates, sometimes causing unexpected payment gaps or overpayments that must be repaid.