UK ban on zero-hours contracts set to include agency workers
Briefly

Upcoming changes to the UK government's employment bill aim to include agency workers in a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts. This reform mandates guaranteed minimum weekly hours for agency staff and offers compensation for last-minute shift changes. With approximately 900,000 agency workers in the UK, unions emphasize that neglecting them could undermine the legislation's effectiveness. However, industry experts express concern over the potential stifling of hiring flexibility. The bill also seeks to expand sick pay for low-paid workers, ensuring coverage from the first day of illness, which is seen as a necessary improvement in the UK labor landscape.
Under the UK government's new employment bill, agency workers may be included in a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts, ensuring guaranteed minimum hours.
This move follows pressure from unions, aiming to protect agency workers from potential loopholes while addressing concerns about the balance of flexibility in employment.
The proposed changes could lead to unintended consequences, with industry leaders warning that they might hinder hiring and push companies to hire more self-employed contractors.
The bill also prioritizes sick pay coverage expansion for low-paid workers, guaranteeing them up to 80% of their salary from the onset of illness.
Read at Business Matters
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