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 |
| Requesting stable hours (2023 act) | After 26 weeks, right to request | 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 Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 added the right to request predictable hours after 26 weeks — not a right to receive them, but an employer must give reasons for any refusal.
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 Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 added the right to request predictable hours after 26 weeks — not a right to receive them, but an employer must give reasons for any refusal.
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.