We employ a number of staff on an as and when basis - to cover for staff on leave or at busy times of the year when we need extra staff. We currently use an "as and when" contract.

Is this ok and can you provide an up to date model contract for this type of employment?

We have also been advised it might be better to use a "zero hours" contract - can you advise on this.

Also whats the best way to calculate and pay annual leave for occasional staff whose hours change from week to week?

Due to lack of funds we need to reduce our expenditure and the Trustees are considering redundancies and/or reduction in staff hours.

If a member of staff’s hours are reduced is this a part redundancy and can this be imposed on a member of staff. If they refuse what option is there?

If a member of staff voluntarily agrees to reduce their hours and then say 1 or 2 months later they are made redundant would any payment be based on the new reduced hours or their previous hours?

We are only doing this because of our dire funding situation and any advice you can give on the best way to manage this would be appreciated.