Why Zero Hours Contracts Are Very Controversial

Imagine that your employer asks you to work for their company without specifying the actual length of time you’ll need to fulfil working. You could go to work at any time you wish and work the number of hours you choose. However, companies could bind you to respond if they need your help at any time during the day, even beyond your work hours.

Zero hours contracts became famous with the UK workforce because it allows employees more freedom in managing their schedule and also allowing them higher pay for more hours. However, it is not always as good as it sounds.

Sports Direct, a zero-hours contractor itself, faces a legalaction from one of its former employees. The employee expressed that the lack of financial security because the zero hours guaranteed nothing about work and income made it problematic for her as she suffered panic attacks.

According to recent statistics, zero hours contracts make up 4% of the UK workforce. Vince Cable even warned the entire UK about the issues surrounding zero hours claims.

He said that it was a way for employers to escape their responsibility to their employees. It also tips the balance to the employer.

There had been cases were managers who believe you have not done well with your work could easily slash off your work hours and employees were left helpless without a legal binding. It is also a tool for “employer bullying”, making it legally easy for them to just cut off their employees without any problems.z

Advertising Laws in the United Kingdom

Advertising laws are quite strict in the United Kingdom because unsolicited messages, advisories and inappropriate advertisements can affect the sensibilities of citizens. All around Europe and the western world, advertisements are regulated for false advertising, children-targeted advertising, tobacco advertising and alcohol advertising. Corporations are allowed to make market and advertising campaigns on the condition that they properly adhere to the following UK laws on advertisements.

1.     Outdoor Advertising

The UK Town and County Planning System regulate advertising billboards and print advertisements. Each advertisement medium should have a permit from the Planning Authority. It is considered a criminal offense not to have these permits when needed. The fine for each offense is £2500. Almost every UK major outdoor billboard company already received these offenses to date.

2.     Content

All UK advertising content in print ads, television, radio and Internet should promote wholesome messages and should never target children below 10 years of age.  All content should not be misleading, inaccurate, ambiguous, exaggerated or even omitted. Laws may apply if certain UK group sensibilities become offended.

3.     Direct Marketing

Direct mailing to customers are also within the Advertising Standards Authority’s investigation remit. Sometimes, unsolicited emails, brochures and catalogues sent excessively could become irritating and offensive to some customers.

4.     Internet

In the Internet, the use of pop up advertisements, banner advertisements and sponsored links are also regulated. It is important that Internet marketers do not use black hat optimization techniques to attract customers because it could cause computer system breakdowns in some customer terminals or excessive resource use that could damage systems.