- Conference
- 2014 Community Service Group Conference
- Date
- 9 November 2013
- Decision
- Carried
This conference notes the insidious spread of zero-hours contracts in the community and voluntary sector, and in housing associations in particular.
UNISON’s survey of Community members found that 9% were on zero hours contracts, but it is likely that this underestimates the true scale of the problem as it is hard to organise workers on such contracts. This also means that it is harder for zero-hours workers to get union protection, and exercise their rights at work.
Whilst there are some situations where zero-hour contracts suit some members, generally working on such vulnerable contracts leaves workers at the mercy of their employers. It is hard to refuse shifts; managers can easily exercise favouritism; equal opportunities, work-life balance, health and safety are undermined; and career progression is harder.
But there are also more basic issues such as low pay, no sick pay, and an uncertain income which means it is hard to budget to pay basic household and bills. Many workers need to take multiple jobs.
In summer 2013, ONS raised estimates from 200,000 to 250,000, and then agreed to review. CIPD estimates 1,000,000 and some are higher still. This artificially reduces the unemployment statistics, and is part of an endemic of underemployment which is emerging under austerity.
This conference calls on the Community Service Group Executive to:
i) Campaign against zero-hour contracts, alongside other service groups, Labour Link and organisations in the community and voluntary sector.
ii) Encourage branches to raise the issue with all community employers, and work to give staff the opportunity to regularise their hours
iii) Promote the UNISON guidance on zero-hours contracts
iv) Seek information from members to expose abuses of zero-hour contracts.