Seamus Foley, an employee at Draughts, a board games bar in London, expressed concerns about the challenges of working under a zero-hours contract. Initially attracted by the flexibility, he now feels overwhelmed by unpredictable scheduling and insufficient protections, prompting him and his colleagues to consider strike action.
Currently, nearly 1.2 million workers in the UK are employed on zero-hours contracts. The Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, has proposed a ban on exploitative contractual agreements, although the number of zero-hours contracts has increased by over 100,000 since their electoral victory. Prominent employers utilizing these contracts include McDonald’s, Burger King, and Dominos, with high usage noted in sectors like social care and hospitality.
The issue of workers’ rights continues to produce tension between the government and businesses, particularly as the Labour Party prepares to address potential amendments influenced by the House of Lords. Employment Minister Justin Madders emphasized the party’s commitment to its manifesto promises amid criticisms from the business sector regarding the rising costs of hiring.
Business groups argue that increased employer contributions to national insurance and wage hikes may lead to job losses, with a survey indicating that a significant percentage of small firms plan to hire fewer employees. Conversely, many zero-hours workers appreciate the flexibility that such contracts provide.
Labour lawmakers suggest that proposed changes, including the introduction of guaranteed-hours contracts and protections against unfair dismissal, aim to balance the needs of workers with those of employers. Critics within and outside the party argue that the timeline for implementing these changes, stretching to 2027 for the ban on zero-hours contracts, is inadequate.
Despite some concerns about the feasibility of businesses adjusting to these changes, proponents argue that improving job security could benefit productivity. Foley and other workers at Draughts remain hopeful for change, desiring a move towards more secure employment conditions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/31/why-zero-hours-workers-welcome-labour-rights-bill