Ultimately, the Panel will assess whether current practice in respect of zero-hour contracts could be improved. The Panel is keen to consult fully with stakeholders about the benefits and disadvantages of using zero-hour contracts.

Deputy Richard Renouf, Chairman of the Panel, said,  “There has been a good deal of discussion about zero-hour contracts in recent years, not only in Jersey but also in the UK. Indeed, in 2013 the Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Services expressed concerns about whether they were always being used appropriately in the Island. There are times when a zero-hour contract is the most beneficial arrangement for employee and employer; but there are also circumstances in which it would most certainly not be the most appropriate arrangement. In our review, we wish to get to the heart of the issue of whether zero-hours contracts are being misused. To do this, we very much want to hear about people’s experience of such contracts – both employers and employees.”

Zero-hour contracts apply where employees agree to be available for work as and when required but no particular times of work are specified. A number of questions about zero-hour contracts have been tabled in the States Assembly in recent years. In 2013, the Assembly agreed to investigate their use, the results of which were reported in May 2015 by the Minister for Social Security.

Once the survey has been undertaken, the Panel will continue gathering evidence and it will in due course invite the Minister for Social Security to a public hearing on the subject.