Being sidelined

[Upsetwithwork]

I've name changed for this as I've discussed this with family members and I want to protect my Mmn identity.
Okay so I have a contract with a school that I used to work full time for up until two years ago. It's basically a zero hours contact that requires only about three hours of work per month. I say per month but that's the average, some months I might have nothing and others I'll have more work. This suits me fine.
Today I found out from a colleague that the Head of Department has been bringing in someone else to carry out the assessments. Now this HoD is a tricky character and other staff have left because of her. I was on the panel that actually appointed her but I think that she probably feels threatened by me.
I contacted her at the beginning of last week to basically say that I hadn't heard from her and did she require my services? I got a reply that yes, in February!
My question is, is the school in breach of contract because I'm contracted to carry out this particular work? I have got work lined up but less than expected and want to know where I stand.
Thank you 🙏

Wouldn't have thought so as you're zero hours, which is what you are getting until Feb.

Thanks Lazy it's just that I was led to believe that I was contracted to do this work and would be informed if I wasn't needed. Likewise I can give them notice too. They only need about ten assessments a year, so it isn't a huge income, but nonetheless it's still very upsetting! I got on, still do, really well with everyone in the department hence being 'tipped off' by the rest of the staff.

”My question is, is the school in breach of contract because I'm contracted to carry out this particular work?”

Impossible to say without knowing what the contract actually says. But unless it says something which guarantees that whenever this work is needed, it will be given to you, it’s unlikely they are in breach of contract.

It would be odd for someone to feel “threatened” by a contractor who works three hours a month. But if you’re wondering why they’ve brought someone else in on this occasion, why not ask.

It is also a little bit odd to find it “very upsetting”. It’s a very low amount of work, and if you get on so well with everyone, presumably you can still stay in touch even if it turns out the HoD decides to use this other person instead on a long term basis?

It is a zero hours contract. I don't understand why you think this is an issue. I also very much doubt that a new HoD feels threatened by you, although if you think that you are probably quite arrogant and not really surprising that they don't want you around...

I'm struggling to understand why you'd think they are in breach of contract when both you and they know that you're on a zero-hours contract.

Getting upset on the basis you thought there was some informal, friendly understanding that you'll be given the work doesn't count I'm afraid. Contractually they don't have to give you any work, ever. If you don't like the zero-hours bit of the contract then that's what you need to change, or get something else with more certainty over your income/ hours.