Explosive growth in UK zero-hours contracts

The latest UK Government figures put the number of workers on zero-hours employment contracts at 1.4 million, a steep increase over previous estimates. One fourth of all employees in the food, catering and tourism sector are employed on these contracts, and 50% of the employers in these sectors make use of them. Workers employed on these terms, which typically exclude protection against unjust dismissal and the benefits which come with statutory employment rights, must be available at all times but have no guaranteed hours. “Insecure work with no guarantee of regular paid hours is no longer confined to the fringes of the jobs market,” commented TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady. According to Business Secretary Vince Cable, “These types of contract can provide important and flexible employment opportunities that suit most people in these jobs.”