What distinguishes a zero-hours contract?

A zero-hours contract is characterized primarily by the nature of employment, where no hours are guaranteed to the employee. Instead, work is provided as needed, meaning that the employer can offer shifts based on their requirements, and the employee can choose to accept or decline them. This flexibility allows businesses to manage workload fluctuations but also means that employees may experience periods without work and income.

In contrast, fixed-hour contracts guarantee a specific number of hours each week, ensuring a stable income for the employee. Guarantees of minimum salary or work based on project completion do not align with the fundamental principle of a zero-hours contract, where the employee's availability for shifts does not equate to a guaranteed paycheck or the completion of predetermined projects. Thus, the distinguishing feature of zero-hours contracts lies in the absence of guaranteed hours, making the correct choice clear.