Union attacks 'murky world' of universities using zero-hours contracts

Two-thirds of universities employ staff on zero-hours contracts, according to a survey by a trade union. The University and College Union (UCU) said the findings exposed the “murky world” of thecasualisation of academic staff. Nearly half (44%) of the universities who responded have more than 100 workers on zero-hours contracts, while a further one in five have between eight and 44 employees on such terms. Universities are nearly three times more likely than average to employ people on zero-hours terms. Recent research by the Recruitment andEmployment Confederation found 27% of Scottish companies use them. Zero-hour contracts require people to be on call and available for work, but the employer is not committed to provide formal working hours. UCU Scotland president Dave Anderson said:"Our findings shine a light on the murky world of casualisation in higher education. As well asthe uncertainty that comes with being on a zero-hour contract, many staff suffer exploitation through other temporary contracts. Their widespread use is the unacceptable underbelly of our universities. "Employers cannot hide behind the excuse of flexibility. The flexibility is not a two-way streetand for far too many people, it is simply a case of exploitation. "We are encouraged that both the Governmentand the opposition have said they will be looking at zero-hour contracts, but neither side has yet said anything that will give the thousands of people subjected to these conditions much hope.” Earlier this year the union criticised establisheduniversities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow for making widespread use of the contracts, with nearly half of staff in some departments at Edinburgh having no set working hours. A spokesman for Edinburgh University said at the time: "Many of the staff working under these contracts are students at the university who benefit from earning extra money during their time here while gaining valuable work experience."