Labour to restrict zero hours contracts

Zero hours contracts have always been a hot topic and not necessarily for the right reasons.   Whilst they offer a flexible approach for employers as there is no obligation to provide work; individuals who are engaged under these contracts have little protection and fewer employment rights than employees.  Those who oppose these contracts believe that they provide little stability and security to the workforce.  That said, zero hours contracts have increased in popularity, offering a seemingly less burdensome option for employers.

In a recent speech, Ed Miliband proposed certain changes to zero hours working arrangements to tackle negative connotations associated with zero hours contracts, including:

• Enabling workers to demand a fixed-hours contract when they`ve worked regular hours over six months for the same employer
• Ensuring that workers receive a fixed-hours contract automatically when they`ve worked regular hours for more than a year - unless they opt out
• Increasing protection, including preventing workers being forced to be available and insisting they can`t work for others or cancelling shifts at short notice on no pay

However, critics suggest that changes of this kind could prove more detrimental to workers who may be dismissed ahead of any six month or one year anniversary in order to limit employers’ responsibilities.