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The UK zero-hours contracts are a significant change in the employment law, which is expected to increase the employment security and income stability of millions of workers. The use of zero-hours contracts has always been subject to criticism because it leaves the employee without assurance of the hours and wages. Through the UK zero-hours contracts ban, the government would like to have guaranteed hours, fair wages and predictable schedules. The reform also provides benefits to the agency workers by sealing loopholes to ensure that businesses escape responsibility. The UK zero-hours contracts ban is one of the wider labour reforms in response to increasing pressure about enhancing worker rights, whilst balancing business needs in an evolving economy.
What the UK zero-hours contracts ban means for workers and businesses
The UK zero-hours contracts ban will put the employers in a position to provide guaranteed working hours as opposed to on-call arrangements. The same will be extended to agency workers, which will ensure misuse of temporary contracts. Coupled with the UK zero-hours contracts ban, there are new rules, which extend statutory sick pay, introduce bereavement leave following a miscarriage, and limit fire-and-rehire practices. Although not all businesses feel comfortable with the increased costs and lack of flexibility, those in favour claim that the UK zero-hours contracts ban will result in a more steady and productive workforce. The move has been embraced by trade unions as they termed it as a milestone in employment reform. The government has proposed the UK zero-hours contracts ban legislation in the upcoming Employment Rights Bill and its implementation specifics should be available in the near future.
