Can I claim injury compensation on a zero-hours contract?

Updated: 16 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

Around 1.1 million people are employed on zero-hours contracts in the UK (Source: ONS zero-hours contracts data, 2024)

If you are working on a zero-hours contract and are injured in a workplace accident, you may still be entitled to make a work injury claim. The law gives you the same health and safety protections as full-time and part-time employees, and your employer owes you the same duty of care.

What is a zero-hours contract?

A zero-hours contract (sometimes called a casual contract) typically means:

  • You are not guaranteed shifts or minimum working hours
  • You can accept or refuse work offered by the employer
  • You are usually free to take work from other employers

Even if your hours vary, if you regularly work for one company you will normally be considered a worker under the law, and that company must keep you safe at work.

Employer’s duty of care

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must provide a safe working environment, proper training, and suitable protective equipment (PPE). This duty applies to all workers, including those on zero-hours contracts. If your employer fails in this duty and you are injured as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Zero hours doesn't mean zero rights. Report your injury, seek medical attention and keep a note of cancelled shifts and lost pay. Simple records like these can really help your claim.

John Kushnick

Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law

What to do if you are injured on a zero-hours contract

  • Get medical attention: Always see a doctor, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records are vital evidence for your claim.
  • Report the accident: Tell your manager or supervisor and make sure the details are entered into the accident book.
  • Keep your own records: Take photos of the scene and your injuries, gather witness details, and keep receipts for any expenses such as prescriptions or travel costs. Retain payslips or bank statements showing your earnings.

How compensation is calculated

Compensation is made up of two parts:

  • General damages – for the pain, suffering and impact of your injury
  • Special damages – for financial losses such as lost wages, medical costs, travel expenses, or damage to property

The amount you receive is based on the seriousness of your injury and the financial losses you have incurred, not on your type of contract.

Lost earnings on a zero-hours contract

Because zero-hours workers do not have a fixed income, lost wages are calculated using an average of past earnings. Your solicitor will review payslips or bank statements to establish a fair figure, taking into account seasonal patterns and expected shifts.

Example: If your average weekly earnings were £440.50 and you were unable to work for 10 weeks, you could claim £4,405.00 in lost income. If your recovery took 26 weeks, you could claim £11,453.00 in lost wages.

Future loss of earnings can also be claimed if medical evidence shows you will remain unable to work for a further period.

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No Win No Fee claims for zero-hours workers

Most zero-hours contract injury claims are made on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and your solicitor only receives a success fee if your claim is successful. If the claim is not successful, you pay nothing.

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We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:

  • Advice that's right for your case
  • Check if you can claim
  • No Win, No Fee explained clearly

If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.

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About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon