The CIPD’s response to proposed regulations giving zero hours and short hours staff new rights to move guaranteed minimum hours contracts, be given reasonable advance notice of work schedules and to receive compensation if shifts are cancelled at short notice.

This consultation covers some of the detail required to bring into force the provisions contained in the Employment Rights Act 2025 which introduce significant changes to the use of zero hours and low hours employment contracts and worker agreements in Great Britain. Our response brings together key concerns expressed by CIPD members representing a wide variety of employer organisations and highlights the significant unintended consequences that may result depending on how these provisions are eventually implemented.   

 

  • The approach to tackling abuse of these kinds of working arrangements is misconceived. 
  • The approach is likely to reduce employment opportunities for young people, and impact on those who benefit from the flexibility provided by these arrangements to manage their own needs.
  • We are concerned that the resulting provisions will have a broader impact on employment status which has potentially not been thought through. 
  • Based on feedback we have received from a range of employers, we are advocating for:
    • the longest possible ‘reference period’ and a low level of ‘threshold hours’ 
    • a minimum notice period for notification of shifts of one week, with compensation for short notice changes or cancellations of less than one day.

Our response to the Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade’s consultation on Make Work Pay: Ending one-sided flexibility: reforms of zero hours and similar contracts

Our response to the Make Work Pay: Ending one-sided flexibility: reforms of zero hours and similar contracts
PDF document 571.9 KB

    • Help us shape
    public policy

    PUBLIC POLICY ENGAGEMENT

    Our work with public policy-makers is most impactful when it's informed by the insights, opinions and experiences of people professionals. Find out what we're currently working on and how you can get involved.

    Get involved
    Callout Image