The number of people on zero-hours contracts continues to rise under the Tories. Labour MEPs have taken the issue to the European Parliament and have called on the European Commission and national governments to take urgent action.
The total number of zero-hours contracts in the UK reached 1.5 million earlier this year. Labour MEPs believe that workers need more financial security and are determined to tackle exploitative zero-hours contracts.
A recent survey found that women and young people were more likely to have a zero-hour contract. It was also reported that 40% of workers on a zero-hour contract wanted more hours.
East Midlands MEP, Glenis Willmott, said:
“Zero-hour contracts prevent people from having any form of financial security. It is completely unfair that some employees don’t know how much they will get from week to week – they don’t have zero rent, they still have to put food on the table for their kids.
“People cannot be expected to put their life on hold on the off-chance they are offered work, which they desperately need.”
Labour MEPs want to see employees who work regular hours given a regular contract. Calls have also been made for compensation when employees are turned away at the start of their shift.
“It is deplorable that workers can have their shifts cancelled at the last minute, or even be sent home after turning up for their shift. No employee should be out of pocket because they’ve paid for their bus fare and their shift has been cancelled.
“George Osborne admitted earlier this year that he would find it “very difficult” to live on a zero-hour contract. With an increase in zero-hour contracts under the Tories, Labour MEPs have decided to demand EU action to tackle abusive zero-hour contracts to give workers more financial stability and security.”
