Working on a zero-hours contract: What are your rights if you’re injured at work?

Across the UK, more people than ever are now working on a zero-hours contract, and the numbers continue to rise. Recent labour market statistics indicate that approximately 1.17 million workers are on zero-hours contracts, accounting for around 3.4% of the entire UK workforce. This type of contract is especially common among younger workers and women, with Parliamentary research confirming that 13 per cent of workers aged 16-24 are employed on a ZHC, compared to
2.4 per cent of wAcross the UK, more people than ever are now working on a zero-hours contract, and the numbers continue to rise. Recent labour market statistics indicate that approximately 1.17 million workers are on zero-hours contracts, accounting for around 3.4% of the entire UK workforce. This type of contract is especially common among younger workers and women, with Parliamentary research confirming that 13 per cent of workers aged 16-24 are employed on a ZHC, compared to
2.4 per cent of workers aged 25 and over.

These roles are found everywhere, from hospitality and retail to warehouses, care work, cleaning, delivery, security and seasonal jobs. Despite how widespread these contracts are, many people still feel uncertain about their rights, especially when something goes wrong. ACAS reports that 61% of workers on zero-hours contracts do not fully understand their legal protections, which can create confusion and leave many feeling vulnerable after an accident. If you’re injured while working on a zero-hours contract, that uncertainty can feel even heavier.

You might worry about losing shifts, being replaced or being treated differently for speaking up. But your employment status does not remove your legal protections, and you still have every right to pursue a workplace injury claim if the accident wasn’t your fault. And if you’re unsure where to begin, Claim Time Solicitors are here to guide you with clear, confidential advice.

Your right to submit a claim

Many may assume that because they are working on a zero-hours contract, their rights are weakened; however, that’s mistaken. UK law still obliges employers to protect all workers’ safety, including those with no guaranteed hours.

You may be able to claim compensation if you were injured at work and:

• Your employer failed to comply with health & safety obligations
• You did not receive proper training or supervision
• The equipment was faulty or poorly maintained
• A coworker’s actions caused your injury
• The work environment was unsafe

The type of contract does not determine your right to claim; what matters is whether someone else was responsible for the accident.

Types of injuries you can claim for

Whether you’re on irregular shifts, casual work or working on a zero-hours contract, you may still claim for injuries such as:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Back or shoulder injuries from lifting or poor manual handling
• Burns (commonly in catering or industrial settings)
• Cuts or lacerations due to unsafe tools or equipment
• Head injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Road or transport‐related accidents, if driving forms part of your role

If any of these happened while you were working under a zero-hours arrangement, you still have every right to consider a claim.

Can you be fired for getting injured at work?

This concern is common, especially when you are on a contract that feels less secure. The clear answer: No. You cannot be lawfully dismissed or penalised simply for being injured at work.

Even while working on a zero-hours contract, you are protected from:

• Being unfairly dismissed
• Having your shifts cut as punishment
• Being pressured into silence about the incident
• Being made to accept blame without cause
• Being threatened or scapegoated for raising a claim

Your employer must ensure your safety. If they neglected that duty and you were injured, they cannot legally punish you, and if they attempt to, this may strengthen your case.

What to do if you’re worried about being fired

When you are working on a zero-hours contract, you may feel like you’re an easy ‘let go’ if you raise issues. If you’re injured and fear losing shifts or a contract, follow these steps:

1. Report the accident immediately

• Inform a manager or supervisor right away.
• Ask that it be entered in the accident book (which your employer must maintain).
• If refused, record it yourself via email or text with date/time.

2. Seek medical attention

Getting medical evidence is crucial. A doctor’s record will support your injury claim.

3. Collect evidence

• Photographs of the scene or equipment
• Pictures of your injury
• Witness names and contact details
• Emails or messages about the working conditions or an accident
• Copies of shift patterns before/after the incident

4. Don’t sign anything when unsure

Employers may ask injured staff to sign documents accepting fault. You don’t have to sign; seek legal advice first.

5. Speak to a solicitor early

Consulting a specialist is free and confidential. Your employer doesn’t need to know you’ve taken advice.

Signs of unfair treatment

Working on a zero-hours contract can make you more vulnerable to subtle unfair practices after an injury. Watch out for:

Shift-related retaliation

• Dramatic reduction in shifts
• Last-minute cancellations
• Being permanently omitted from rotas

Changed behaviour or exclusion

• Managers are becoming overly critical
• Being skipped for training or opportunities
• Exclusion from communications

Verbose pressure or threats

• Being told to keep quiet or accept blame
• Being warned that you may lose work if you claim
• Being made to feel responsible for the incident

These can count as victimisation or unfair treatment and are unlawful.

Don’t let fear hold you back from claiming

Working on a zero-hours contract can already feel unstable, and after an injury, that uncertainty can double. But here’s the truth many workers never get told:

• Your claim isn’t personal; it’s against your employer’s insurance.
You’re not “blaming” your manager. You’re using the insurance that exists specifically to protect injured workers.

• Employers expect claims.
Accidents happen in every industry. Insurance systems are built for this, and your employer knows it.

• If your employer retaliates, your claim could become stronger.
If they cut your shifts, change your rota, or treat you differently after an incident, that behaviour can act as additional evidence.

• Zero-hours or not, you’re still protected by law.
Your fluctuating contract does not remove your rights. If you were injured doing your job, you’re entitled to make a claim.

How to make a workplace injury claim on a zero-hours contract

The process is straightforward, and your solicitor handles most of the heavy lifting. Here’s how it works:

1. Free initial call

You’ll discuss what happened, explain your contract (even if it’s zero-hours), and your injury. This is free and confidential.

2. Evidence gathering

Your solicitor will review:

• Accident reports
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Evidence of reduced shifts or lost earnings

3. Medical assessment

You’ll see an independent specialist who will assess your injuries and how they affect you, key for compensation.

4. Building the case

Your solicitor will show:

• What happened
• Who was responsible
• How your injury impacted your health, income and quality of life

5. Settlement or court

Most of these claims settle out of court. Compensation can cover:

• Lost earnings (including fewer shifts)
• Pain and suffering
• Medical treatment & rehab
• Travel expenses
• Impact on future work capability

And yes, all of this applies when you were working on a zero-hours contract.

Understanding your employer’s responsibilities

Even if you’re on a variable-hours arrangement, your employer still must:

• Provide adequate health & safety training
• Undertake risk assessments
• Maintain equipment and premises properly
• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Have employer’s liability insurance in case you are injured

If any of these duties were neglected and you were hurt, the case for your claim is stronger.

Common scenarios for zero-hours workers

Workers on zero-hours contracts often face risks like:

• Rushed or minimal training due to high staff turnover
• Unsafe manual handling in warehousing or delivery roles
• Slippery or cluttered floors in hospitality settings
• Burn or scald injuries in kitchens
• Heavy lifting without support in logistics
• Under-staffed shifts increase accident risk

Your contract type doesn’t remove your rights if you were injured in any of these situations.

What if you haven’t been given shifts since the accident?

It’s not uncommon for workers on zero-hours contracts to find their hours abruptly reduced after reporting an injury. This may be unfair and possibly unlawful if it’s linked to speaking up.

If you’ve experienced this:

• Save screenshots of shift cancellations
• Save any rota changes or messages showing you’ve been excluded
• Collect any indication you’ve been penalised for raising a claim

Your solicitor can use this to support not only your injury claim but also any related unfair treatment claim.

Working on a zero-hours contract doesn’t remove your rights

Even though your contract allows flexibility, you’re not without protection:

• You’re able to claim if you’re injured
• You cannot lawfully be punished or dismissed for being injured
• You’re entitled to a safe workplace
• Compensation may be owed if the accident was someone else’s fault

Don’t let the uncertainty around zero-hours contracts stop you from seeking justice after a workplace injury.

A supportive, confidential legal team on your side

If you’ve been injured while working on a zero-hours contract, the team at Claim Time Solicitors can help you understand your options, clearly, confidently and without pressure. The consultation is:

• Free
• Fully confidential
• No Win, No Fee

You won’t pay anything upfront, and if the claim doesn’t succeed, you don’t pay at all.

Ready to talk? We’re here for you

If you’re feeling uncertain, worried about your shifts, or simply don’t know where to turn after your injury, you’re far from alone. Take the first step: protect your rights, clarify your situation, and get the support you deserve.

Call Claim Time Solicitors today on 0800 970 2727 for a confidential chat. No risk. No fee. Just expert help.