Tim Farron welcomes a review of "exploitative" zero-hours contracts

Liberal Democrat party President Tim Farron has welcomed a review of the impact of zero-hour contracts, which have risen sharply since the recession. Recent investigations have shown that a rising number of people across the country are on contracts which mean that they have no guarantee of whether they will have work from one week to the next, and no holiday or sick pay rights. 

A Guardian report last week revealed that one major retailer employs 20,000 members of staff on these contracts, whilst the UK's second biggest cinema chain has an estimated 80% of their staff on zero-hour contracts. Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, last week disclosed that the Employment Minister, Lib Dem Jo Swinson, will be compiling a report over the summer, looking at the scale of these contracts, and whether any adjustments need to be made to the current system.

Commenting, Mr Farron said: "These figures really worry me, particularly as some of the major employers which have been highlighted by the Guardian employ people in my constituency. Zero-hour contracts, although perfectly legal, don't offer people the employment rights or financial security they need in difficult economic times. Trying to look after your family when you don't know whether you will have a shift at work from one week to the next must be an awful situation to be in, and no holiday or sick pay rights add insult to injury. It's important to recognise that zero hour contracts bring welcome flexibility for people in certain circumstances. That said, I don't think it's right for large companies to employ the vast majority of their already low-paid workforce on these terms, as a way to keep costs down."