Job Insecurity

Debate between Chuka Umunna and Michael McCann

Wednesday 5th February 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Umunna]

My hon. Friend is right to raise that issue. We all remember those who lost their lives a decade ago, and our thoughts are with their families. Of course, that was why we set up the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, and we believe that we should consider expanding its remit to include other sectors, construction being the obvious one.

[Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow) (Lab)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that Opposition Members will not be celebrating the proliferation of zero-hours contracts, which allow our young people, in particular, to be exploited by employers who want them to be at the other end of the telephone waiting to be told when to come to work but do not guarantee them any weekly hours?

[Mr Umunna]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I will move on to zero-hours contracts shortly.