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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what legislative plans his Department has to eliminate the use of zero hours contracts; and if he will make a statement.

Zero hours contracts were considered as part of the Review of Modern Working Practices and we agree with the review in concluding that banning zero hours contracts altogether “would negatively impact more people than it would help”.

The review, and Government, recognises 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.

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 have also agreed to ask the Low Pay Commission to consider higher minimum wage rates for workers on zero hours contracts for non-guaranteed hours.