Zero hour contracts to be analysed

A major new study into zero hour contracts has been announced.

Academics from the University of Limerick (UL) will look into the prevalence and impact of work contracts for eight hours or less.

Minister for Business and Employment Ged Nash TD said the probe could prompt a policy change.

Mr Nash said: “If this study finds such work contracts have a serious and detrimental impact on our citizens, then the Government will act.”

Zero hour contracts are not defined in legislation but the term is widely understood to represent a working agreement where hours are not specified or guaranteed.

They are most commonly used in the retail, hospitality, education and health sectors.

Professor Patrick Gunnigle and Dr Michelle O’Sullivan, from the Department of Personnel and Employment Relations in the Kemmy School of Business at UL, will lead the research team.

They are due to report back to the Government within six months, including any recommendations for change.

Mr Nash added: “This is very much in keeping with my dignity of work agenda.

“The recovery that the country is beginning to enjoy must also be felt by our citizens and as we focus our minds on returning the country to full employment by 2018, it is my role to ensure that the jobs we are helping to create are decent jobs with decent pay.

“Work must pay and I will not allow a situation to develop where the jobs that are being created or sustained here do not allow families to lift themselves out of poverty. This study will help Government in the first instance to determine how widespread zero and low hour contracts are, but crucially the impact they are having on working people.”

Stakeholders such as employers, workers, employer representative bodies, trade unions and government departments will be asked to contribute to the study which will cover both the public and private sectors.

Workers in Ireland have some protections under the Organisation of Working Time Act which ensures employees are compensated if they suffer a loss by not being given the hours they were requested or were available to work.