News / unions
‘We need the Government to stamp out zero hours contracts’
Thousands of Bristol workers on zero hours contracts face greater risks to their health and lower wages, according to union leaders.
A recent poll by the South West Trades Union Congress (TUC) found that of the estimated 7,200 people working under this controversial arrangement, two-thirds are not doing it by choice and would rather have permanent, secure employment.
Under zero hours contracts, employers are under no obligation to provide minimum hours, while staff members are entitled to turn down work offered.
In practice, says the TUC, the arrangement works out well for employers, not workers, and it is calling on the Government to ban zero hours contracts and improve people’s rights.
The union estimates that alongside the 7,200 people in Bristol whose main job is zero hours, there is an additional 39,000 workers on some form of insecure contract, whether that be casual work, agency or “bogus self-employed”.
Nigel Costley says the vast majority of people on zero hour contracts want out. © Jess Hurd
“Too many West of England workers have to rely on insecure employment and the worst are zero hours contracts,” said TUC South West regional secretary Nigel Costley.
“The vast majority of people on zero hour contracts want out. The only flexibility offered, is flexibility that works for employers.
“Zero hour workers regularly work for low pay, including through the night, which puts their health at risk. Many also face the constant uncertainty of not knowing when their next shift will come – adding to their financial struggles.
“We need the government to stamp out these unfair contracts. Working people need solid jobs, with guaranteed hours so they can provide for a decent family life.”
The warning about zero hours contracts comes as Deliveroo couriers in Bristol join others across the country in flash strikes on Valentine’s day.
Analysis conducted by the TUC reveals that 23 per cent of zero hour contract workers regularly do night shifts, compared to one in ten of the rest of the workforce – night-working has been linked to increased health risks.
The union says they are also paid on average approximately a third less per hour than other workers – a rate of about £4.10 per hour – and one in seven zero hours contract workers don’t have work each week.
Read more: ‘Deliveroo needs to show a little more love for its couriers’
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
