STORY
The Government has set out detailed proposals to end what it calls exploitative zero-hours contracts, with a consultation on changes intended to give workers more security and predictability. The Department for Business and Trade said the reforms would address one-sided flexibility and uncertainty at work.
Under the proposals, workers on zero-hours or short-hours arrangements would gain rights to guaranteed hours based on a reference period, along with protections over cancelled or changed shifts. Ministers argue that this is central to Labour’s employment rights agenda and will improve the position of low-paid workers.
Business groups and unions have both raised concerns, though from different directions. Employers warn that rigid rules could reduce flexibility in sectors such as hospitality and retail, while unions argue that loopholes and limited guarantees could weaken the reform.