Eduqas Level 1/2 Hospitality and Catering (5409) · Spec 1.1.3
Working conditions: contracts, hours and pay
Read the notes, then try the questions. Each one is marked the moment you press Check, and shows the right answer and why.
Key ideas
- A permanent full-time contract has no end date and gives regular, guaranteed hours and pay, paid holiday, sick pay and a pension. That gives the worker security.
- A seasonal contract covers a busy time of year, such as summer at a holiday park or Christmas, and ends when the season ends.
- A zero-hours contract gives no guaranteed hours. The employer offers shifts when needed and the worker can say no. It is flexible, but income is uncertain.
- A salary is a fixed yearly amount paid in monthly instalments. A wage is paid for each hour worked. Pay can also include tips and bonuses.
- On average, adult workers cannot normally be made to work more than 48 hours a week. Workers under 18 cannot be made to work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.
- The industry uses many flexible contracts because demand goes up and down with peak times, large events, the seasons and the location of the business.
Key terms
- Permanent
- A contract with no end date.
- Seasonal
- A contract for one busy time of year that ends when it is over.
- Zero-hours contract
- A contract with no guaranteed hours. The worker can refuse a shift that is offered.
- Salary
- A fixed yearly amount, paid monthly.
- Wage
- Pay for each hour worked.
- Peak time
- A time when demand is highest, such as a Saturday night or a summer holiday.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up wage and salary. Wage is by the hour. Salary is a fixed yearly amount.
- Thinking a zero-hours worker has to accept every shift. They can refuse.
- Thinking seasonal workers get no holiday pay or sick pay. They still get basic rights, built up for the time they work.
- Giving the employer's reason when the question asks for the worker's benefit, or the other way round. Read who the question is about.
Exam tip
For 'explain why a business uses...' questions, link the contract to the need: a holiday park busy only in July and August uses seasonal staff because it does not need them in winter. Name it, then say why.
Free practice questions
7 questions, 13 marks. Answer, then press Check. The marking guide explains how the marks are worked out. Nothing is saved.
- Question 1 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which contract has no end date and gives regular, guaranteed hours?
- Question 2 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which contract covers one busy time of year and ends when it is over?
- Question 3 · True or false[1 mark]
True or false: a wage is a fixed yearly amount paid in twelve monthly instalments.
- Question 4 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
On a zero-hours contract, what is true of the employer?
- Question 5 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
What is the most hours a day a worker under 18 can be made to work?
- Question 6 · Matching[4 marks]
Match each pay term to its meaning.
- Question 7 · Matching[4 marks]
Match each business need to the contract that suits it best.