The problems with zero-hour contracts
These types of contracts mean workers are not guaranteed any hours from one week to the next and are often left waiting for a phone call each day to tell them whether they have any hours to work or not.
It leaves workers unable to budget, unsure of their income from week-to-week and in insecure employment with few rights.
Usdaw believes the use of zero-hours contracts is indefensible except in very rare circumstances and has campaigned for legislation to ban the worst excesses of these contracts.
In December 2025, the Employment Rights Act was passed into law.
Amongst the changes in Employment Law, was an end to zero-hour contracts for anyone who wanted guaranteed hours.
This is due to come into practice sometime in 2027.
Your experiences
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