CIPD consultation response: Zero-hours contracts for agency workers

We respond to the Department for Business and Trade’s Making Work Pay: the application of zero hours contracts measures to agency workers. 

The CIPD supports the government’s ambition to ensure that, wherever possible, flexibility works for both employees and employers. Flexibility in working arrangements can improve job satisfaction for workers and help businesses meet variations in demand for goods and services. 

Through our research, we have highlighted the importance of flexibility in non-standard working arrangements, including zero-hours contracts and agency work, for both workers and businesses. We provide guidance on identifying and implementing atypical working practices in our guide. Our research also shows some of the downsides to arrangements such as zero-hours contracts. 

We reference our research findings and respond to the government’s consultation questions in our response below.