Outlaw Zero-Hour Contracts In The United Kingdom

Outlaw Zero-Hour Contracts In The United Kingdom

Started
14 August 2019
Signatures: 2Next Goal: 5
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Why this petition matters

Started by George B

I really hope this is the final petition we need on this issue. It's time that zero-hour contracts are completely banned once and for all in the United Kingdom.

I have volunteered for Citizens Advice for the past year, and one recurring problem which I come across time and time again is the issue of zero-hour contracts. For those unsure of what they are, in a nutshell they place no obligation on employers to ensure employees have a guaranteed minimum number of hours to work per week. This places great anxiety upon those who may see this as their only form of work, as they generally have no idea what shifts they are working one week to the next, resulting in fluctuating earnings and, ultimately, accrued debt as families struggle to meet their mothly rent, bills, food, etc.

Time and time again we see the Government reject calls for a ban to such contracts, with arguments typically focussing on the "benefits" they provide students. My answer to that is - no, they are of no "benefit" to a student like myself. I would like to know quite frankly exactly when I am expected in work to enable me to have an acceptable work-life balance.

Another perceived "benefit" tends to be that employees on such contracts can simply reject any shift offered. Yes, indeed they can, but this carries the risk that they will not be offered any more shifts (which the employer is perfectly within their rights to do), further deepening the financial difficulty employees on these contracts face.

In November 2017, approximately 1.8 million zero-hour contracts were in existence. 1.8 million. That's 1.8 million people who may not know when they are expected to be in work one week to the next. 1.8 million people whose earnings fluctuate, and so may result in being able to afford rent one month, and falling into arrears the next month. 1.8 million people living in uncertainty.

As this petition gains signatures, I call upon people to share their stories on experiences they have faced with zero-hour contracts; whether it be first-hand, relatives, friends, anybody at all. When this petition is delivered, these experiences should provide a strong evidence base which suggest that it's time these contracts are completely reformed, and preferably outlawed altogether. Employers must be under an obligation to offer a contracted minimum number of hours if employees so wish.

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Signatures: 2Next Goal: 5
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