Across the UK, more than 1.17 million people work on zero-hours contracts, representing around 3.4% of the workforce. These roles are especially common among younger workers. Around 13% of those aged 16–24 are on zero-hours contracts, compared with 2.4% of workers aged 25 and over.
Many employers use zero-hour contracts across sectors such as hospitality, retail, warehousing, and care. However, many workers remain unclear about their zero-hour contract rights after an accident at work. ACAS reports that a significant number of zero-hours workers are unsure about their legal protections. You have legal rights regardless of your employment status. You may be able to make a workplace injury claim if negligence caused the accident, regardless of your contract type.
Table of Contents
Key takeaways:
- Over 1.17 million UK workers are on zero-hour contracts, yet many misunderstand their rights
- Being on a zero-hours contract does not remove your right to claim compensation
- Employers still carry full legal responsibility for safety, regardless of your contract type
- Fear of losing shifts can stop action, but penalising claims may be unlawful
- Failing to report incidents or gather evidence can weaken both your claim and protection
- Compensation can include lost shifts, medical costs, and long-term work impact
- Early legal advice helps protect your income, rights, and next steps after injury
Zero-hour contract rights: Key facts at a glance
- You have the right to a safe working environment
- Employers owe you a legal duty of care
- You can claim compensation if negligence caused the accident
- You may recover lost income from cancelled or reduced shifts
- Employers cannot lawfully penalise you for making a claim
What is a zero-hours contract?
Under a zero-hours contract, your employer does not have to offer a fixed number of working hours. This applies even if you work regularly. You can accept or decline work offered to you when shifts become available. Despite this flexibility, the Employment Rights Act treats people on zero-hours contracts as “workers”.
Zero-hours contracts are legal in the UK, but employers must still follow employment and safety laws. They must also protect workers through health and safety legislation.
Employers decide your work schedule, working patterns, and any notice period arrangements based on your contract type. This does not affect your zero-hour contract rights or their duty to keep you safe.
Can you make a workplace injury claim on a zero-hours contract?
Yes. A zero-hours contract does not affect your right to make a workplace injury claim. UK law requires employers to protect all workers’ health and safety, regardless of guaranteed or regular hours.
If you were injured at work, you may be able to claim compensation if:
- Health and safety procedures were not followed
- You did not receive adequate training or supervision
- Equipment or machinery was faulty or poorly maintained
- A colleague acted negligently
- The working environment was unsafe
What matters is who caused the accident, not the number of hours your contract guarantees.
Types of injuries you can claim for while working on a zero-hours contract
People on zero-hours contracts face many of the same risks as permanent staff. This is especially true in physically demanding or fast-paced roles.
| Injury Type | Common Work Environments |
| Slips, trips and falls | Retail, cleaning, hospitality |
| Back or shoulder injuries | Warehousing, delivery roles |
| Burns and scalds | Catering and food preparation |
| Cuts and lacerations | Factories, construction, kitchens |
| Head injuries | Manual or industrial work |
| Repetitive strain injuries | Packing, admin, assembly roles |
| Chemical exposure | Cleaning, manufacturing |
| Vehicle-related injuries | Driving or courier roles |
If the injury happened at work, you may still be able to make a claim regardless of your contract type.
Can employers dismiss workers after a workplace injury?
This is a common concern for people on zero-hours contracts. Employers cannot lawfully dismiss or penalise injured workers. Doing so in response to an injury may raise concerns around unfair dismissal. They also cannot treat injured workers unfairly for pursuing a claim.
You are protected from:
- Having shifts reduced as punishment
- Being pressured to stay silent
- Being forced to accept blame unfairly
- Being threatened or treated unfairly for raising concerns
If an employer treats you unfairly after an injury, this behaviour may strengthen your case.
What should you do after an accident at work?
Take early steps to protect your rights after a workplace injury.
1. Report the accident
Inform a supervisor as soon as possible and ask them to record the incident in the accident book. If the employer refuses to record it, keep your own written record.
2. Get medical treatment
Medical records provide important evidence linking your injury to the accident.
3. Gather evidence
- Photos of the accident location or equipment
- Images of your injury
- Witness contact details
- Messages or emails about the incident
- Shift records showing any changes after the accident
4. Avoid signing documents
Do not sign anything that accepts blame without legal advice.
5. Seek confidential legal advice
You can speak to a solicitor for free without involving your employer.
Signs of unfair treatment after an injury
People on zero-hours contracts may face subtle forms of unfair treatment after an injury. Common warning signs include:
Shift-related changes
- Sudden or unexplained reduction in shifts
- Last-minute cancellations
- Removal from rotas without explanation
Workplace behaviour
- Increased criticism or hostility
- Exclusion from training or communication
- Being treated differently after reporting the accident
Pressure or threats
- Being told not to report the injury
- Suggestions that making a claim will affect your work
- Being made to feel responsible for the accident
Such behaviour may be unlawful.
What compensation can a zero-hours contract injury claim include?
Compensation reflects how the injury has affected your life and income. A claim value estimator can give a general idea of potential compensation. A claim checker can also help indicate whether a claim may be possible.
| Compensation Type | What It Covers |
| General damages | Pain, suffering, and impact on daily life |
| Lost earnings | Missed shifts or reduced hours |
| Medical expenses | Treatment, medication, rehabilitation |
| Travel costs | Travel for medical appointments |
| Future losses | Impact on your ability to work |
Most claims are settled without going to court.
Your employer’s legal responsibilities
Even on a zero-hours contract, your employer must:
- Provide adequate health and safety training and rest breaks
- Carry out proper risk assessments
- Maintain safe equipment and premises
- Supply appropriate PPE
- Hold employer’s liability insurance
If your employer failed to meet these duties and you were injured, this can support your claim.
What if your employer stops offering shifts after the accident?
A sudden loss of work after reporting an injury can be unfair if it relates to speaking up.
If this happens:
- Keep copies of rota changes
- Save messages showing shift cancellations
- Record any evidence that suggests unfair treatment
This evidence can support your injury claim and any related employment issue.
Your rights on a zero-hours contract
UK law protects the rights of employees on zero-hour contracts, even if your contract is flexible.
- You can claim compensation after a workplace injury
- You have the right to a safe working environment
- Employers cannot lawfully punish you if you are injured
- You may be able to claim compensation if someone else caused the accident
A confidential, supportive legal team
You have options after a workplace injury on a zero-hours contract. Claim Time Solicitors provide straightforward advice without pressure.
- Free consultation
- Fully confidential
- No Win No Fee
You pay no upfront costs, and you pay nothing if your claim does not succeed.
Speak to a solicitor today in complete confidence.
FAQs
Am I entitled to make a claim while working on a zero-hours contract?
Workers on zero-hour contracts have a legal right to claim compensation. This applies if employer negligence or unsafe conditions cause an injury.
Will making a claim affect my shifts or employment?
In most cases, it will not affect your shifts or employment. Employers cannot lawfully penalise, dismiss, or reduce shifts simply because you make a workplace injury claim. Any unfair treatment may be unlawful.
Are workers on zero-hours contracts entitled to holiday pay?
UK law gives workers on zero-hour contracts the right to holiday pay. Employers calculate the pay based on the hours worked.
Are zero-hours contracts legal in the UK?
Yes. Zero-hours contracts are legal, but employers must still meet employment and safety obligations.