- Conference
- 2018 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 20 September 2017
- Decision
- Carried
In recent news it has reported that the number of unemployment has hit a record low. What these statistics do not report is that a large proportion of this is because of the increase in zero hours contracts.
Employers have increasingly been turning to zero hours contracts as part of the general attack on staff terms and conditions that has accompanied the privatisation and cuts to funding across the public services. Under these contracts, an individual typically undertakes to be available for work but the employer does not undertake to provide any work and only pays for the hours worked.
We are aware that some individuals choose these contracts in order to meet with family commitments as flexible contracts around their personal lives be it taking care of children or elderly relatives are not available. However for many other vulnerable workers, many of them Black workers, is it not a choice.
A large number of zero hours contracts affect the low paid and the main features of these are Black workers (often not members so without the protection of UNISON) are disproportionately being affected. For these workers zero hours contracts have a negative impact in a number of ways:
1)There is no guaranteed level of regular earnings;
2)the need to be available for work when required by the employer hinders the ability of staff to take up other employment;
3)the variability of earnings throws into doubt an individual’s eligibility to claim various state benefits;
4)Zero hours contracts have also shown themselves to be more open to abuse than regular permanent contracts. For example, scheduling of working hours in the homecare sector that allowed no time for travel time between home visits has led to staff working considerably beyond their paid hours in some cases;
5)Uncertainty about hours offered each week can lead to fear among staff about complaining or raising issues concerning any aspect of the job or service.
This motion calls on the National Black Members’ Committee to:
a)Undertake a survey of our members to enquire how many Black workers have taken on a second job who are on zero hours contracts.
b)Consider ways to promote the values of trade union membership and Black members self-organisation and produce a basic guide for workers on know your rights.