Don't take any crap if you need a day off

[casual1]

I have spoken to a couple of disgruntled colleagues who have requested a day off due to other commitments and been told "not acceptable"

Do not take any of this crap.

You have a zero hours contract, they are not obliged to offer you any work, and perhaps more importantly you are not obliged to work any hours offered. read your contract (a copy is on this forum) if you want to confirm.

You are not contracted for any hours therfore if you need time off, don't ask for it, tell them you will not be working !

Of course, you need to be reasonable, giving them proper notice and in theory you run the risk of being told not to come in any more, however, given the state they are in I very much doubt it.

There's no need to be rude or unreasonable and at the end of the day they are employing you to dig them out of the Christmas rush and therfore they need reliable resource - but at the same time, don't take any crap for a resonable request.

You dont have a full time contract or a final salary pension scheme like the Mangager insisting you work!