Chuka Umunna MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, commenting on the launch of a consultation by government regarding exclusivity clauses in zero hours contracts, said:

“We have seen a rising tide of insecurity in the work place since David Cameron came to office with his Government watering down the rights at work of every working person in this country.  So it is unsurprising the Government  has put forward the minimum it thought it could get away with to deal with exploitative zero hours contracts.  Their measures simply do not go far enough.

"As well as ensuring that the terms and conditions of employees on zero-hours are made clearer and that they are free to work for other employers, Labour would give employees the right to demand a regular contract if they are, in practice, working regular hours for a certain period, with an automatic right to a fixed-hours contract after a period.

"We would also ensure employees on zero-hours contracts are not obliged to make themselves available outside contracted hours, and that they have a right to compensation if shifts are cancelled at short notice.  

"The Government should be matching our plans to outlaw exploitative practices but they have failed to come close to our commitments.”

ENDS