What are zero-hours contracts?

In a BBC article, Michael Burd discusses the benefits of zero-hour contracts and why employers choose to use them.

Michael believes that the majority of employers use zero-hour contracts, not to avoid giving employees their rights, but to avoid paying fixed overheads and giving them flexibility over their workforce.

He points out that this flexibility is envied by employers in struggling economies like Spain and Greece, where potential costs may dissuade employers from taking on staff.

You can read Michael's thoughts in full on the BBC website here.