zero-hourshttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zero-hours_adj%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezero-hours, adj.
First published 2018

zero-hoursadjective

British.
  1. 1988–
    Denoting or relating to a contract of employment that does not include a guarantee of regular work for the employee, who is paid only for the hours he or she actually works. Frequently in zero-hours contract. Cf. casual adj. A.8a.
    1. 1988
      The report said workers were increasingly being offered ‘zero-hours’ contracts, with no guaranteed work.
      Financial Times 1 September 7/8
    2. 1995
      Probation hostel wardens offered ‘zero hours’ deal.
      Independent (Nexis) 6 November 10 (heading)
    3. 2004
      [The company] pays its zero-hour workers an hourly salary plus commission.
      Trav. Trade Gazette UK & Ireland (Nexis) 25 June 1
    4. 2015
      If you're not needed that day, you don't get paid. How can you pay your bills and plan your life around a zero-hours contract?
      Radio Times 9 May (South/West edition) 9/1

zero-hours, adj. was first published in June 2018.

zero-hours, adj. was last modified in July 2023.