According to an article in The Independent, the Government is to review the use of “zero-hours” contracts under which employees are put on standby and not guaranteed a minimum amount of work. Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, told the newspaper that that there has been anecdotal evidence of abuse by certain employers of some vulnerable workers at the margins of the labour market and he has asked his officials to review the growth of zero-hours contracts in both the private and public sectors. Although Cable is unlikely to ban them, they could be restricted or workers on them given more protection. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of “zero-hours workers” has risen from 131,000 to 200,000 since 2007.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
