Zeroed Down: The Effects of Zero Hours Contracts on Mental Health and The Mechanisms Behind Them

Thomas Keely

Research output: Working paperDiscussion paper

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Abstract

This paper investigates the impacts of zero-hours contracts (ZHCs) on mental health and the factors behind this impact. Current ZHC research is lacking, and considering their rapid rise and harmful characteristics, there is cause for concern. 2018-2019 data from Understanding Society is used, and analysis finds a highly significant result that the mental health of zero-hours workers is, on average, 12.2% worse than other workers. Income insecurity and low job satisfaction are identified as mechanisms through which ZHCs harm wellbeing. This paper corroborates previous findings that ZHCs are detrimental to health and builds upon such research by identifying harmful attributes.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherUniversity of Aberdeen
Pages1-48
Number of pages48
Volume21
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021

Publication series

NameDiscussion Papers in Economics and Finance
No.3
Volume21
ISSN (Electronic)0143-4543

Keywords

  • zero-hours contract
  • mental health
  • job insecurity
  • Job satisfaction
  • schedule insecurity
  • United Kingdom

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