3rd December 2011, 02:44 PM
Zero hour contracts have been around for 10 years or so outside archaeology. I think there may be some benefit to employees (considering the alternanatves): if a digging team is reaching the end of a project, they will be made redundant, and any future employment for that employer would be as if they were a new starter. In that case it would be beneficial for the employees to remain on the books as 'employees' who would be given any work that became available, rather than just in the pile of applicants.
As with the 'self employment' issue, I think it is unhelpful to issue blanket statements as to their suitability to employer and employee: people may choose to take contracts on this basis, eyes open.
As with the 'self employment' issue, I think it is unhelpful to issue blanket statements as to their suitability to employer and employee: people may choose to take contracts on this basis, eyes open.