ALMOST 200 staff at Cheshire West and Chester Council are on zero hours contracts, it has been revealed.

A zero hours contract is a flexible contract of employment with no limit on the number of hours worked.

The issue was raised by the borough’s opposition Labour group leader Cllr Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port Town) in a council question to resources chief Cllr Les Ford (Con, Helsby).

“There has been a lot of publicity about zero hour contracts recently.

“Can he confirm whether the council employ anyone on ‘zero hour’ contracts and if so, how many?” asked Cllr Madders, an employment lawyer.

After being told 191 staff at the council were on zero hours contracts, Cllr Madders continued: “That does seem rather a lot.

“I appreciate that with some people it would suit them to be on ‘zero hours’ contracts.

“But does he agree with me that it would be more appropriate as a major employer in the area that we should adopt a policy whereby the council do not offer ‘zero hour’ contracts unless the employee specifically requests them?”

Cllr Ford replied:“No, I can’t agree with that sentiment.

“These contracts are used to allow for business flexibility, particularly in catering, with school meals.

“They are also used to cover for absence and holidays so in other words, for practical purposes.”

He also pointed the borough’s 75 elected councillors had no contracts ‘whatsoever’ and were ‘on demand’.