Which type of contract is defined by ad hoc working patterns?

The type of contract characterized by ad hoc working patterns is known as a zero-hours contract. This kind of contract does not guarantee a set number of hours for the employee, allowing employers to call on workers as needed. This flexibility makes it suitable for situations where work demand can vary significantly, such as in hospitality or retail sectors. Workers typically have the option to accept or decline work offered, which can lead to irregular working hours that align with the ad hoc nature of such contracts.

In contrast, a fixed-term contract provides guaranteed work hours for a specific period, while a project-based contract is tied to the completion of a specific project rather than flexible working hours. A permanent contract offers stability and a set number of hours typically, which doesn’t align with the concept of working ad hoc. Hence, the defining feature of a zero-hours contract as being ad hoc enables this option to stand out as the correct answer.