Ministers are facing mounting pressure to ban zero-hours contracts, with Labour unions and cross-party MPs arguing that the practice exploits workers and fuels insecurity. The call comes ahead of a parliamentary debate on employment rights.
Growing Support for Ban
Unions including Unite and the TUC have joined forces with MPs to demand an end to zero-hours contracts, which they say leave millions of workers without guaranteed hours or income. A recent report by the Institute for Employment Rights found that such contracts disproportionately affect young people, women, and ethnic minorities.
Government Response
A government spokesperson said ministers are reviewing employment laws but stopped short of backing a ban. Business groups warn that removing flexibility could harm sectors like hospitality and retail, which rely on variable staffing.
The debate is set to intensify as the opposition pushes for a vote on the Employment Rights Bill, which includes provisions to outlaw zero-hours contracts. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has described the contracts as a symbol of a broken economy.
