Zero Hour Contract Employment

Hi, I need some help.

I was working for The Royal Mail at Christmas 2012 for 8 weeks working a night shift. It wasn’t very sociable as I expected, it was a night shift afterall. I enjoyed it as it was very easy work and even a NMW job for 5-6 days a week at £250 – £300 was brilliant to me. I was doing many hours but earning a wage I was satisfied with. As I had previously spent time at college and on Job Seekers Allowance.

The employment ended mid January and it was back to the Job Centre. A week later I randomly received a message asking if I would like to do a shift at the exact same place but this time through Reed. I was offered 4 days on the same shift time the week later. So I received a contract from Angard Staffing and I was alarmed at the zero hour contract thing. When I phoned the Job Centre she said that I must accept the position and sign off as I would be working over 16 hours. Then I was told that you could still sign on if you didn’t earn over £40 a week.

The thing is since that 4 days I’ve only been getting the odd day here and there. On average 1 shift per week. 1 shift per week means I come out with £45. That £45 goes down to £40 from the bus fare. I also spend a lot of time ringing the numbers only to be told the line is busy. This happens quite a lot in the day. In my last phone bill it was £22 up from what I usually pay. I was being charged for each call I made. 

I have been applying for loads of jobs ranging from apprenticeships to agency to temporary etc. Desperately hoping I can get something else, so far nothing. I was getting £56 from the Job Centre per week. Yes, I know it’s nothing, but it’s better than what I’m getting. I may not have the added pressure to find work from the Job Centre but I’m not earning anything and I’m struggling as a result.

Is there anything I can do that can aid me?