Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made the use of zero-hours contracts; and what steps they are taking to ensure that people who would like to work more hours have the opportunity to do so.

Zero hours contracts were considered as part of the Review of Modern Working Practices. The review, and government, both recognise that zero hours contracts have an important part to play in a modern, flexible labour market and benefit those who cannot or do not want to work in a regular contract. Banning zero hours contracts altogether would negatively impact more people than it would help.

We have published our response to the review which commits to firm action and future legislation where appropriate. This includes a commitment to provide a right to request a more predictable contract for all workers, including those on zero hours contracts. We are currently consulting on how this would work in practice.