The Government consultation on zero hour contracts is a missed opportunity to address the real problems facing hundreds and thousands of workers forced onto zero hours contracts (ZHCs) , warned UNISON today. The Government’s consultation on ZHCs only examines exclusivity clauses* and lack of transparency, while the problems facing workers on these contracts are far more wide ranging, not only for the workforce and for the vulnerable people relying on public services.
Zero hour contracts are designed to be flexible but have no predictability and result in a huge imbalance of power that favours employers but leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation. The reality is that workers can be held to ransom by employers who can stop giving them work at any time. People who are unable to accept work at short notice can be punished by getting fewer or no hours in the future. This means they do not know from week to week what money they will have to pay their bills or feed their families.
In its response to the Government consultation, the union is calling for a ban on the use of zero hour contracts in the health and social care sector, where vulnerable people benefit greatly from receiving continuity of quality care from professional staff.
UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis said:
“This consultation misses the bigger picture and we urgently need a comprehensive review into the prolific use of zero hour contracts. At a time when permanent jobs are scarce, workers need secure employment more than ever.
“We must put a stop to workers on zero hour contracts being exploited by having no guaranteed hours. They lose out on basic workplace protections because they fail to qualify as employees, lack the necessary continuity of service or are exploited by their employer for being unaware of their employment status or employment rights.
“Many employers have large pool of workers they can call on, but they do not guarantee specific hours from one week to the next. It is a disgrace but there is nothing to stop an employer from denying people work for any reason, commonly referred to as ”zeroing down”.
Zero hour contracts are being used increasingly in public services provided by private and voluntary sector providers. The union believes that flexible working alternatives such as annualised hours are an appropriate alternative to zero hour contracts, and do not lead to a loss of employment rights and insecurity.
Dave Prentis went on to say:
“Uncertainties over income are fundamentally linked to the growth of in-work poverty, and the increasing reliance by working people on in-work benefits, food banks and pay day loans.
“For many people it’s a case of all or nothing, with workers feeling compelled to work long hours when they are offered them for fear of being given fewer hours the following week.
“The economic impact is significant, with workers on zero hour contracts unable to get credit, loans, mortgages or rental agreements.”
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Notes to editors
*Some workers have exclusivity clauses in their contracts, which confine them to working for only one employer, despite having no guaranteed hours.