Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Resolution Foundation report Firm foundations: Understanding why employers use flexible contracts, published on 25 April; and what steps they will take to improve situations for zero-hours contract workers.

Flexible contracts are an important part of the UK’s labour market, for both employers with fluctuations in demand, and for individuals who need to balance work around other commitments such as childcare and study.

2022 research from the CIPD found that 62% of zero hours contract workers are satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs, only a slightly lower fraction than the 66% for other employees.

The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 will give workers – including those on zero hours contracts - the right to make a request to their employer for a more predictable working pattern.