Casual work: Employees freed or Employers greed?

Zero-hour contracts, the gig economy, and agency work. You may have heard these phrases in the media recently, but what do they mean? Just Recruitment untangles the net.

In July, a government review of good working practice condemned the use of casual working; such as zero-hour contracts or ‘gig’ work.

The ONS recently revealed that the number of people on zero hours contracts in the UK has fallen 2.2% since last year. This has been hailed a step in the right direction for the labour market.  

For some people, casual work yields a wide host of benefits. Could casual work be for you? Read our guide below to find out!


Pros and cons of the different types of casual work

What is the gig economy?

Defined as ‘a labour market characterised by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work’, the so-called ‘gig economy’ has recently gained plenty of traction in the UK news.

The gig economy can provide a working environment which offers flexibility for employees who want casual work.

Instead of a regular salary or hourly wage, workers are paid for each ‘gig’ they carry out. These gigs range from simply delivering food, to running errands such as ironing, or collecting weekly shopping.

It is estimated that around five million people in the UK are employed in this way, with 40% of these workers using the work for supplemental income.

Although these jobs provide flexibility, the worker is self-employed in the eyes of the law. Therefore, they are not entitled to employment rights such as holiday entitlement or sick pay.  

What is a zero hours contract?

A worker with a zero-hour contract is classed as an employee of a company. This means they are entitled to employment rights.

However, as the name suggests, the employee is promised no hours. Although the employee is protected by rights, the uncertainty of knowing when you will next be able to work can be debilitating and cause people to abandon their social lives.

A study carried out by UCL found that people with zero hour contracts were one and a half times more likely to report having a mental health problem compared to those with a secure employment contract.

Employees are also allowed to work for other companies, which offers the freedom to pursue other career paths simultaneously. They are also allowed to turn down work when offered.

For those who work for supplementary income and appreciate the benefits employment rights yield, a zero-hour contract is flexible and offers a certain amount of freedom.

What is agency work?

Those seeking temporary work through a recruitment agency are classified as agency workers. This is the preferable way to undertake casual work, as workers are entitled to full employment rights – including equal pay to permanent employees after working on an assignment for 12 weeks.

However, temporary work can be a double-edged sword. Some recruitment agencies will try to avoid the ethical route of employment of casual workers, by using umbrella pay schemes or Swedish Derogation. These schemes can erode employee rights and cause workers to lose earnings.  

Employer branding

It is also important for companies to know the implications of different contracts and agency practices on employees. If workers are treated unethically, or deceived, this will reflect negatively on your brand.

Marks and Spencer found out the hard way, when public protests were launched. This was due to an agency they employed paying their temporary staff less than permanent employees, exploiting the Swedish Derogation loop hole.

At Just Recruitment we treat our temporary employees the same as our permanent staff. They are paid above the National Minimum Wage, offered holiday pay and we have implemented a voluntary benefits scheme, which we are the first agency in the region to offer.

We hope that all other employers and recruitment agencies will follow suit, and begin offering stability, flexibility and fair employment practices to their employees.

© Copyright Just Recruitment 2018

If you liked this article you may like to read – Commoditisation and how to resist it

You may also like to read – Mental health in the work place for employers and employees

Jobs currently available

New job
Production Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £13.25 per hour
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk.
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: 913140
About the role

Just Temps is actively seeking to join a company based on the outskirts of Sudbury, Suffolk.

Working hours:

  • Monday to Friday.
  • 22.00 to 06.00.

Duties will include:

  • Picking and packing.
  • Lifting up to 25kg - this is a physical role with manual handling.
  • Working within the warehouse.
  • Mixing various products together.
  • Baking products.

Having your own transport is essential due to the location of the company and the hours involved.

General warehouse experience is required and training will be provided.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Environmental, Health and Safety Officer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913261
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, long-standing manufacturing business within the Sudbury area - actively seeking a full-time, permanent Environmental, Health, and Safety Officer to join its team.

The key purpose of this role is to work with the site teams to provide expert advice, promote involvement and drive improvements to site safety culture and performance in compliance with all EHS, business conduct policies, guidelines, and the local site Life-Saving Rules at all times.

Key duties include:

  • Coordinate, develop and aid the implementation of the site’s EHS systems, to ensure it is fit for purpose, efficient and effective and in compliance with legislation (SSoW, Permit to Work, Near Miss Reporting, Job Hazard Analysis etc.), audits and inspections, environmental monitoring, health monitoring and industrial hygiene).
  • Develop site-specific EHS systems and EHS procedures meeting the requirements of U.K. legislation in line with the site's needs and organisational structure. Assess written and practised compliance against agreed standards via gap analysis, process confirmation and audit.
  • Be the on-site appointed person to advise on requirements for the shipment of dangerous goods and produce DGN’s as required.
  • Work with Occupational Health in coordinating the Site’s Health Surveillance Programme. Implement and manage a comprehensive Occupational Health Programme.
  • Coordinate risk assessments, COSHH assessments and PUWER assessments for the site to meet material and process requirements.
  • Maintain and review site legal register to ensure compliance with UK legislation.
  • Complete sustainability and product questionnaires as required.
  • Be site lead for ISO45001 OHSMS and ISO14001 EMS certification, delivering and coordinating the processes for the Management Systems across the site. Be site contact for external regulatory bodies. (HSE, Environment Agency, Local Authority).
  • Coordinate emissions monitoring and solvent management plan; submitting results to the Local Authority. Coordinate personal VOC, dust exposure monitoring, face-fit testing, DSEAR assessments and manage any resulting actions. Through monitoring, measuring, and advising, ensure site compliance under the LAPPC permit.
  • In conjunction with relative functions, you will be responsible for writing, reviewing, and amending standard operating procedures to ensure continual development of best practices.
  • Forms part of the site Emergency Team and is responsible for reviewing and maintaining the site emergency plan, investigating emergency situations, and participating in the recovery of such situations on-site during and outside normal working hours.
  • Identify EHS training needs and plan and provide training to pursue the achievement of improved EHS competencies and skills for all associates. Responsible for the coordination and completion of the Competency Assessment Schedule, ensuring that individual action plans are established.
  • Responsible for producing, implementing, and maintaining site inductions for contractors and new employees.
  • Responsible for compiling and submitting annual data for the UK business in compliance with packaging waste regulations.

Qualifications and experience:

  • IOSHH trained in Managing Safely.
  • Holder of NEBOSH General Certificate.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in Health and Safety in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in internal auditing and managing ISO14001 and ISO45001 standards is essential.
  • ADR, IATA, and IMDG trained, preferable, but not essential as training will be provided.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Ability to engage with staff at all levels and achieve clear and concise two-way communication.
  • Developing personnel so that they have sufficient skills to meet the EHS objectives of the business.
  • Understanding of manufacturing environments and processes.
  • Recognised within the business as a champion of safety and environmental performance.
  • Ensure accurate record-keeping/document retention systems are kept in line with legal obligations.

This is an excellent opportunity, to lead the EHS function of the site. The role offers a competitive salary with great benefits as well as a stable, long-standing and friendly team environment.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £10.50 per hour
Location: Stanford-le-Hope, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: 1113015
About the role

Just Temps is seeking Warehouse Operatives to join a company based in Stanford-le-Hope.

Working hours:

  • Monday to Friday, 08.00 to 17.00.

Duties will include:

  • Unloading and loading of lorries and containers.
  • Using handheld scanners to pick and pack.
  • Working within the stores.
  • Other general warehouse duties.
  • Heavy lifting will be involved.

No experience is necessary for this role. Teamwork is paramount for this role.

This company really cares about its workforce and offers lots of opportunities to progress.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Marketing CRM Executive & Sales Support
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Salary: £25,000 - £27,000 per annum
Location: Haverhill
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913259
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a permanent Marketing CRM Executive & Sales Support role within a company located near Haverhill.

You will be responsible for supporting the Marketing Manager by setting up online marketing campaigns, focusing on social media, maintaining and updating the CRM system, supporting the Sales Team with CRM, merchandise sourcing, despatch, shows and customer visits.

Key responsibilities and duties will include:

  • Setting up and running the planned SEO digital and print marketing campaigns including Salesforce Account Engagement
  • Focussing on social media, SEO digital marketing, newsletters, and pay-per-click
  • Working with the sales team to create relevant content both domestically and internationally
  • Focussing on social media and digital marketing both domestically and internationally
  • Reporting on marketing campaigns and their return on investment to the Marketing Manager and Commercial Director
  • Visiting and attending trade shows and industry events to create content and support the sales team
  • Administering, monitoring and informing the sales team of all leads and enquiries acquired
  • Reporting on the conversion of enquiries and leads into sales achieved by the sales team
  • Administration duties as requested by the Marketing Manager
  • Supporting the sales team with the administration of the CRM system

Essential requirements:

  • Hands-on CRM system experience required – preferably Salesforce
  • A minimum of 2 year’s experience in a similar role
  • Ability to build and manage customer relationships
  • Experienced in content creation and the running of digital marketing campaigns
  • Professional, articulate and conscientious

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm.

Due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Customer Service Representative
Sector: Customer Service
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913254
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Customer Service Representative to join a company based in Witham.

You will be responsible for assisting in the day-to-day running of the Customer Service department, liaising with the customers to keep them informed of any issues and the upkeep of related administrative tasks.

Key responsibilities:

  • Contact and maintain relationships with existing customers, providing them with data/information as required and updating customer logs with details of calls.
  • New customer onboarding, ensuring accounts are set up correctly.
  • Customer satisfaction surveys.
  • Invoicing.
  • Keeping various data reports updated.
  • Quotations.
  • Booking in and preparing files.

Person specification:

  • Positive attitude.
  • Works well within a team.
  • Shows initiative.

Hours:

  • Full time – Mon to Fri, 09.00 to 17.30.
  • 37.5 hours per week.
  • 1 hour lunch break each day.
Read more