Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Zero-hours Contracts (Guaranteed Hours) Bill - Clause 1: Right to request guaranteed hours

03 February 2023 · 6 other contributors

Opened by Scott Benton Con High Peak

Employment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Scott Benton raised concerns about zero-hours contracts (guaranteed hours) bill - clause 1: right to request guaranteed hours in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Bill aims to address unpredictability and insecurity of income for workers on zero-hours contracts.
  • Workers would have the right to request a contract with guaranteed hours, helping them balance commitments like childcare and study.
  • The Bill introduces protections against detriment for workers who make requests for more predictable working patterns.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Scott Benton Con High Peak

I am pleased to move the Bill that aims to address one-sided flexibility in zero-hours contracts. The Taylor review highlighted issues such as unpredictability and insecurity of income for workers on these contracts. My Bill would create a new right to request a contract with guaranteed hours, ensuring workers have more predictable working patterns without losing the benefits of flexible work arrangements. Workers would be able to request changes if their current conditions lack predictability or certainty, helping them balance commitments such as childcare and study. The Bill also introduces protections against detriment for those who make requests, aiming to address power imbalances between employers and employees. Furthermore, it supports income security during cost-of-living pressures and benefits businesses by fostering a more engaged workforce.

Other contributors (6)
  • Nickie Aiken Con Cities of London and Westminster

    Welcomes the Bill, highlighting its importance in providing security to people on zero-hours contracts. Suggests that it could encourage older individuals back into the workforce by offering them more predictable hours.

  • Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East

    Supports the Bill's aim but raises concerns about enforcement, noting that employers may find ways to circumvent employee rights. Suggests trade union membership as a way to strengthen these rights.

  • Danny Kruger Reform East Wiltshire

    Supports the Bill, praising it as an important step towards protecting workers in the gig economy. He emphasises that people are not robots and should have respect for their human dignity and obligations outside work. Argues that jobs should support whole families and enable them to spend time on community life. Welcomes the imposition of a duty on employers when requests for predictable patterns of work are made, preferring duties over rights as they imply relationships and obligations.

  • Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East

    Congratulates the hon. Member for Blackpool South on bringing forward this Bill, highlighting that measures to give workers the right to request more predictable terms and conditions are long overdue due to the rise in zero-hours contracts. Criticises employers who exploit working people under these contracts, noting issues with financial planning and discrimination faced by women and ethnic minorities. Urges for faster implementation of such legislation.

  • Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton

    Supports the amendment, highlighting its importance in promoting a flexible and dynamic labour market. Argues that zero-hours contracts offer flexibility to both employers and employees but acknowledges issues like unpredictability of income. The Bill will facilitate conversations between workers and employers about work patterns without deterring either party.

  • Scott Benton Con Blackpool South

    Commissions the debate by introducing the amendment, emphasising its role in addressing unpredictability in working arrangements and promoting fairness and flexibility. Acknowledges technical support from government officials.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy