Young people on zero hour contracts are having to look for additional work in order to keep up with the cost of living, according to recent research.
A study from the Resolution Foundation has found that half of zero hour workers are under the age of 30, only 18% of which are students working around their studies.
Zero hour contracts are employment contracts with no guaranteed working hours. They are said to offer flexibility, but for many young people they offer uncertainty and worry.
Laura Gardiner, the Senior Research and Policy Analyst from the Resolution Foundation said, “23% of those on zero hour contracts are looking for a different or additional job” in order to survive, as the cost of living rises.
![signing on the dotted line does not always guarantee work. [Photography: Mike Hulme]](https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/altcardiff/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2014/10/104339.jpg)
But there is also an issue with employers offering low hour contracts with the promise of more hours.
Chloe Devereux, 21, a Cardiff sales assistant said, “I left a 20-hour contract for a 4-hour contract with the promise of additional hours but they aren’t always available, which is worrying when it pays my bills.”