UK launches public consultation on zero-hours contracts

The UK government has launched a public consultation on plans to reform zero-hours contracts, a move aimed at providing greater financial predictability for over one million workers but which has drawn immediate criticism from both business groups and trade unions. The proposals, part of the forthcoming Employment Rights Act, would grant workers on zero-hours or low-hours arrangements the right to request a contract with guaranteed minimum hours.

Under the outlined framework, the government’s preference is to set a threshold where workers regularly employed for between eight and 20 hours per week would qualify for these protections. A key mechanism is a proposed 12-week reference period, which would be used to determine a worker’s typical hours. Employers would then be expected to offer equivalent guaranteed hours for the remainder of the year. The plans also include a requirement for employers to provide reasonable notice for shift allocations and changes, with potential compensation of up to 80 percent of lost earnings for shifts cancelled or altered with less than four weeks' notice.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle stated that it is not right for people to work regular hours...