Zero-hours contract crackdown: staff could be offered fixed hours after three months

Proposed reforms by the Labour Government could require companies to offer regular contracts to workers on zero-hours agreements after three months, aiming to provide better worker protections.

The initiative follows McDonald's example, where most zero-hours employees opted to keep flexible terms; the three-month timeframe seeks to yield clearer employer responses, balancing business needs and worker rights.

Labour's efforts include preventing workers from being financially penalized by last-minute shift cancellations, showing a commitment to address 'one-sided flexibility' in employment practices and enhance rights.

Despite initially considering a full ban on zero-hours contracts, Labour adjusted its position due to business concerns, especially from sectors that value the flexibility these contracts afford to both parties.

Read at Business Matters