Sara Hawthorn 26 August 2014

Cable launches consultation on zero hours loopholes

Plans to help identify and close loopholes in zero hours contracts have been revealed in a new consultation launched by business secretary Vince Cable.

The Government believes plans to ban the use of exclusivity clauses in zero hours contracts might result in loopholes, which could see contracts from a minority of employers guaranteeing just one hour of work.

The consultation seeks advice from businesses, unions and individuals on the best methods of preventing this scenario and whether pre-emptive steps are necessary. It also proposes options - such as civil penalties - which workers could use to seek justice if they are treated unfairly by their employer because they found work elsewhere while on a zero hours contract.

Cable said: ‘We are tightening the screws on rogue employers who try to abuse workers on zero hours contracts.

‘We are looking closely at any potential loopholes that could arise from a ban, to ensure that these are closed off and no one can get round the new law. We are also ensuring there is access to justice for workers treated unfairly.

‘The evidence shows that the vast majority of zero hours contracts have been used responsibly by many businesses for many years, but unfortunately we know that some abuse does take place.

‘This is why we are bringing in new laws to ban the use of exclusivity clauses in zero hours contracts, which currently stop employees getting other jobs if they need to top up their income.’

The Government also announced plans to develop sector-specific codes of practice to guide the use of zero hours contracts, and improve the information available to individuals and employers.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner