What’s the Current Policy?
- These contracts leave workers with unpredictable hours and income. Employers can cancel or change shifts at the last minute, putting the financial risk on workers and making it hard for them.
What’s Changing?
- Workers will get more notice about their shifts, helping them plan their lives, manage childcare, and reduce financial stress.
- The Government’s rationale is that employers who already offer fair conditions will benefit from a level playing field, and all businesses will be encouraged to plan ahead more.
How Will it Work?
Right to Guaranteed Hours
- If a worker regularly works the same hours, their employer must offer a contract with guaranteed hours (based on the last 12 weeks of work).
- Workers can say no and stay on a zero hours contract if they prefer.
Right to Reasonable Notice of Shifts
- Employers must give workers reasonable notice of upcoming shifts.
- If shifts are given with unreasonably short notice, workers can take the issue to a tribunal, which will decide if the notice was fair.
Right to Payment for Cancelled or Changed Shifts
- If a shift is cancelled, cut short, or moved at short notice, the worker must still be paid.
Will Zero Hours Contracts Still Be Allowed?
Yes!
- The Government knows that some people, like students or carers, value the flexibility these contracts offer.
- If workers are offered guaranteed hours, they can choose to stay on zero hours if they prefer.
- In some sectors, employers and unions may agree on different arrangements that work better for them – the law will allow for that through collective agreements.
How Harding Evans Can Help
If you’d like tailored guidance on how the Employment Rights Bill may affect your business, our team is here to help.
Get in touch today on 01633 244233 or wilded@hevans.com.
