The government must resist pressure from bosses and honour its pledge to end exploitative zero-hours contracts, UNISON said today (Tuesday).
The union has urged ministers not to water down reforms around insecure work outlined in a consultation on the new Employment Rights Act, which closed today.
Employer groups have been actively lobbying against proposals to guarantee workers’ hours and payments for shifts cancelled at short notice. However, UNISON has argued that these rights will help gig economy workers, boost growth and improve services upon which the public rely.
The union’s submission to the consultation warns that ministers’ failure to close these loopholes would allow unscrupulous bosses to sidestep new protections.
Workers struggle under zero hours
UNISON has argued that workers have been left struggling on unpredictable incomes amid a rapid rise in zero- and low-hours contracts in public services. The NHS relies on 150,000 workers on zero-hours contracts in England alone, according to NHS England data. They do not receive the same sick pay as other NHS staff, are not paid for mandatory training and live with the insecurity of having hours and rates cut.
UNISON has said that employing workers on such contracts harms continuity of care for patients. The casual arrangements also mean many workers are not given access to appropriate training or supervision.
Findings from a UNISON survey reveal that nearly four in five health staff (79%) would like a guaranteed-hours contract reflecting their regular working hours. Key reasons for this include financial security and mental health.
Preparation for new rights
UNISON has called on ministers and NHS employers to work with unions to prepare for the new rights. The union said the reforms represent an opportunity to move away from using a casual workforce to plug gaps. Patients will benefit from a unified workforce on contracts that provide flexible working options and proper training for all.
UNISON head of health Helga Pile said: “For too long, employers have been able to treat casual staff as second-class citizens. It’s time to end the power imbalance and treat all workers equally.
“Good bosses have nothing to fear from these reforms, which will boost the economy. The public stands to benefit too from more stable services and because staff won’t have to work when sick.
“Making employers pay workers for the stress of short-notice cancellation of shifts should encourage better planning in public services. Workers, including those in the NHS, will be able to give their best to patients.
“Ministers mustn’t cave in to employer groups bent on preserving the power to cut hours or change rotas at the expense of staff wellbeing and service quality.”