Vast majority people on zero hours contracts don’t want to be on zero hours contracts

A new poll makes the perhaps obvious point that a significant majority of workers on zero-hours contracts prefer stable, regular working hours. Commissioned by the TUC, the survey found that 84 percent of zero-hours contract workers would prefer consistent work schedules, while only 14 percent are content with their current arrangements. The poll also highlighted the financial difficulties faced by these workers due to underemployment. Seventy-five percent reported not receiving enough hours to cover their living expenses. Despite this, more than half (58 percent) of requests for additional hours were turned down by employers.

The TUC’s findings also suggest that over half of zero-hours workers had experienced last-minute shift cancellations, with less than 24 hours’ notice. Two-thirds of these workers received no compensation for the lost shifts, and only 5 percent were fully compensated.

Half of the surveyed workers reported that zero-hours contracts disrupted their ability to fulfil caregiving responsibilities, challenging the notion that such contracts help working parents and carers balance paid employment with caregiving duties.

A June analysis by the TUC indicated that 4.1 million people in the UK are engaged in low-paid and insecure work, including around 1 million on zero-hours contracts. In response to these findings, the TUC emphasised the need for the upcoming Employment Rights Bill to include measures banning zero-hours contracts. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak argued that the Bill would create a “level playing field” and challenged business leaders and politicians to try living on a zero-hours contract, with the uncertainty it brings.

He stated, “It’s time to raise employment standards in this country and ensure work pays for everyone. The government’s Employment Rights Bill will help stop good employers from being undercut by the bad.”

The TUC’s stance is supported by the Abrdn Financial Fairness Trust. Chief executive Mubin Haq highlighted the social and financial challenges faced by those on zero-hours contracts, noting the lack of compensation for lost income.

Julian Richer, founder of Richer Sounds and the Zero-Hours Justice campaign, echoed the call for reform, stressing the need for basic security in employment and criticizing employers who exploit zero-hours contracts. He stated, “A ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts is long overdue.”

The government has indicated that its legislation will grant workers the right to a contract that reflects the hours they regularly work, with reasonable notice of any shift changes. This is intended to address the issue of “one-sided flexibility.” However, union leaders have accused the government of being too susceptible to business pressures, potentially leading to a diluted version of the reforms.

According to the TUC, the government may not impose a blanket ban on zero-hours contracts, instead focusing on eliminating only those deemed “exploitative.” Workers at risk of exploitation could be given the right to transition to a contract that better reflects their regular working hours.