Zero-Hours Contract Pay & Holiday Calculator UK 2026
Key takeaway: Zero-hours workers must receive at least statutory minimum wage for every hour worked (£12.71/hr from April 2026 for 21+). Holiday pay accrues at 12.07% on top of all earnings (£1.53/hr on NLW). Your employer cannot enforce exclusivity clauses preventing you from working elsewhere.
Calculate your annual earnings, statutory 12.07% holiday accrual, and minimum wage compliance on a UK zero-hours contract.
Your Average Hourly Rate
£12.71/hr
Avg Weekly Hours
24.0 hrs
Avg Weekly Pay
£305.04
Legal Min / hr
£12.71/hr
Accrued Holiday
2.9 hrs/wk
Statutory 12.07% Holiday Accrual
You accrue 12.07% paid holiday for every hour worked (approx £36.82 paid leave per week).
Frequently Asked Questions
How is holiday pay calculated on a zero-hours contract?
Your holiday entitlement is calculated as 12.07% of your earnings. This is because 5.6 weeks' holiday is 12.07% of the remaining 46.4 working weeks in a year.
Do zero-hours workers get the same minimum wage?
Yes. Every hour you work on a zero-hours contract must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for your age band — the same as any other worker.
Can my employer refuse to give me shifts on a zero-hours contract?
Yes. A zero-hours contract means your employer is not obliged to offer you work, and you are generally not obliged to accept it. However, exclusive zero-hours clauses (banning you from working elsewhere) were banned in 2015.
Do I get sick pay on a zero-hours contract?
You may qualify for Statutory Sick Pay if you earn at least £123.25/week on average and meet the other qualifying conditions. Your employer cannot withhold SSP just because you are on a zero-hours contract.
Am I entitled to a written contract on zero hours?
Yes. All workers — including zero-hours workers — have the right to a written statement of their main employment terms within 2 months of starting work.
About this guide
This calculator is maintained by UKMinimumWage.co.uk using published GOV.UK rates for 2026/27. Last updated August 2026. This site is not HMRC-endorsed.