Dr. Michelle O'Sullivan:

It was not possible to quantify the number of people. The collection of that information on an ongoing basis is one of the things we believe should happen. It is highly problematic, first, because people might not realise that they are on those types of contracts, second, because people might have been working regular hours for a number of years and still not realise that they are on an if-and-when contract, regardless of the number of hours they are working regularly, and, third, because Ireland has a narrow definition of zero-hour contracts. What we call a zero-hour contract and an if-and-when contract are together what the UK calls a zero-hour contract. The practice we are seeing is the same as what is in the UK in terms of the types of contracts. That is an issue.

The interviewees from the civil society organisations and the trade unions expressed concern about the hospitality sector, in particular, and certain services in health, such as care work. We also have copies of templates for contracts given by particular employer organisations which provide an example to employers of how to construct an if-and-when contract.

We see it as an indication of some of the guidance that might be given. It is not possible to quantify it other than to say the people on the ground who are representing these people say it is an issue.