The Government is seeking views on reforms relating to zero hours and similar contracts, to implement measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025 to end what it refers to as one-sided flexibility.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 gave employees the right to
guaranteed hours, where the number of hours offered reflects the hours worked by a qualifying worker during a reference period
A reasonable notice of shifts and changes to these and payment for shifts cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice
These measures have not yet taken effect. This consultation seeks input on details of the new rights, which will be set out in regulations.
Commenting on the proposals Alice Martin, Head of Research, the Work Foundation at Lancaster University said
“The publication of this consultation marks an important step towards strengthening protections for workers in insecure employment. It is essential that these reforms deliver meaningful change for the growing number of people who lack certainty over their hours, income and working patterns.”
“More than 1.2 million workers are now employed on zero-hour contracts – the highest number since records began. The latest figures show their number has increased by 91,000 over the past year alone, while a record 401,000 people now rely on these contracts as their main source of full-time work despite having no guarantee of hours or earnings.
“Many workers have already waited years for these reforms and still face a considerable delay before new rights are introduced. The Government should move swiftly once the consultation concludes and provide a clear timetable for implementation. The right to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts and compensation for late cancellations will be vital in improving security and predictability for workers. These reforms have the potential to rebalance power in the workplace, giving workers greater control over their working lives and helping to tackle some of the most damaging forms of insecure work.”
