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Zero-hours Contracts (Guaranteed Hours) Bill - Clause 1: Right to request guaranteed hours
03 February 2023
Lead MP
Scott Benton
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
EmploymentChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 6
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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