The number of workers on zero-hours contracts could be one million - four times as high as official estimates, according to new research. Such workers are on call to work when needed by bosses but employers do not have guarantee any hours.
The University and College Union (UCU) has said zero-hours contracts are bad for both students and teaching staff alike - denying staff financial security and denying students continuity with their teachers.
President Simon Renton said: "Without a guaranteed income, workers on zero-hours contracts are unable to make financial or employment plans on a year-to-year, or even month-to-month basis.
"This research shows that young people are particularly vulnerable to zero-hours contracts and a large number of workers do want more hours each week.
"Zero-hours contracts are the unacceptable underbelly of further and higher education as staff are denied full employee status and key employment rights. Students miss out on a lack of continuity and often receive reduced access to staff employed on minimal hours."
The government is looking into zero hours contracts as new research says the number of people working such contracts could be one million.
Opinion varies dramatically among both workers and employees when it comes to zero hours contracts, as ITV News viewers demonstrate.