Zero hours contracts

Employment Rights Bill: HR reacts

The government published its Employment Rights Bill on 10 October. We round up what HR needs to know.

How HR can improve work for zero-hours and gig workers

As employers' use of flexible contracts is on the rise, we asked HR how they can improve work for zero-hours and gig workers.

Employment law changes: What HR needs to know

As the Labour government passed its first 50 days in power this week, we asked lawyers about the upcoming changes to employment law that HR should be aware of.

King’s speech: HR reacts to incoming changes

King Charles’ speech yesterday (17 July) highlighted the legislative agenda of the new Labour government, which prioritises "making work pay”, stability, and sustainable economic growth. We asked HR...

Three quarters of employers used flexible contracts in 2023

Three quarters (75%) of employers used some form of flexible contract at some point in 2023, and half (48%) of those employers planned to increase use of flexible contracts over the next five years, a...

Record high numbers of young people are on zero-hours contracts

The number of young workers on zero-hours contracts has reached a new record high, according to a study from The Work Foundation thinktank.

Women are most likely to be underemployed, research finds

Women are among the groups of UK workers who are most likely to be affected by underemployment, according to research from the Underemployment Project, a sociological investigation of underemployment.

Workers unaware of zero-hours contracts rights

Research found 61% of workers are unaware of the rights of people on zero-hours contracts, according to workplace arbitration body Acas.

A million more workers aged over 65 than in 2000

The number of over-65s in the workforce has risen by almost a million people since the turn of the millennium, according to new analysis from charity the Centre for Ageing Better.

Labour’s zero-hours contract pledge divides experts

Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the Labour Party, promised to ban zero-hours contracts if Labour comes into power at the next election.

MPs back workers’ right to request regular hours

A private member’s bill giving workers the legal right to request a predictable working pattern has found cross-party support in the House of Commons.

Zero-hours workers claim better work/life balance

Workers on zero-hours contracts think the benefits outweigh the negatives, despite calls for them to be banned by campaign groups.