Zero hours, poorer health


Young workers on zero hours contracts (ZHCs) are less likely to be in good health and have a higher risk of poor mental health than those with stable jobs, says new research. 


Economic activity and health — initial findings from the Next Steps Age 25 Sweep, has been undertaken by the Institute of Education at University College London. It analyses data on more than 7,700 25-year-olds and finds that, at this age, people on ZHCs (and those who are unemployed) are less likely to report feeling healthy, compared to those in more secure employment.


ZHC workers are also at greater risk of reporting symptoms of psychological distress. And while shift workers are at no greater risk of being in poor health than those on regular hours, they are more likely to have psychological problems. 


“There is evidence that those with a precarious relationship to the labour market, such as shift workers, zero hours contract holders and the unemployed are more at risk of poor mental health and physical health than their peers,” said lead author Morag Henderson. “One explanation for these findings is that financial stress or the stress associated with having a low-status job increases the risk of poor mental health. 


“It may also be that the worry of having no work or irregular work triggers physical symptoms of stress, including chest pain, headaches and muscle tension.”

www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news-events/news-pub/jul-2017/zero-hours-contract-bad-for-health