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Zero-hours contracts: 1.4m in the UK, ONS says Zero-hours contracts: 1.4m in the UK, ONS says
(34 minutes later)
About 1.4 million people are employed on zero-hour contracts in Britain, according to the latest government figures, a far higher number than expected. The number of UK jobs offered on zero-hours contracts is 1.4m, according to the latest government figures, a far higher number than expected.
A snapshot survey of employers by the Office for National Statistics, taken from a two week period between late January and early February, showed the trend for hiring staff without guaranteeing a minimum number of hours is more prevalent than initially thought.A snapshot survey of employers by the Office for National Statistics, taken from a two week period between late January and early February, showed the trend for hiring staff without guaranteeing a minimum number of hours is more prevalent than initially thought.
Follwing an earlier survey of employees, the ONS had previously estimated that 583,000 people were employed on zero hours. It was thought the latest survey would show the actual number was closer to a million. Follwing an earlier survey of employees, the ONS had previously estimated that 583,000 people were employed on zero hours, suggesting that some people have more than one job on a zero-hours basis.
The TUC said the figures showed the UK jobs market was far more precarious than the government suggested, and urged ministers to crackdown on the "abuse" of zero-hours contracts by employers.The TUC said the figures showed the UK jobs market was far more precarious than the government suggested, and urged ministers to crackdown on the "abuse" of zero-hours contracts by employers.
"Insecure work with no guarantee of regular paid hours is no longer confined to the fringes of the jobs market," said Frances O'Grady, the TUC's general secretary."Insecure work with no guarantee of regular paid hours is no longer confined to the fringes of the jobs market," said Frances O'Grady, the TUC's general secretary.
"It is worrying that so many young people are trapped on zero-hours contracts, which can hold back their careers and make it harder to pay off debts like student loans. The fact that these contracts have become the norm in tourism, catering and food will be a major concern for the millions of people employed in these industries.""It is worrying that so many young people are trapped on zero-hours contracts, which can hold back their careers and make it harder to pay off debts like student loans. The fact that these contracts have become the norm in tourism, catering and food will be a major concern for the millions of people employed in these industries."
Around 13% of employers reported some use of zero-hours contracts. The trend was particularly prevalent in the tourism, catering and food sectors, where the contracts were in use by almost half of all businesses. The contracts were more commonly used by large companies than small businesses.Around 13% of employers reported some use of zero-hours contracts. The trend was particularly prevalent in the tourism, catering and food sectors, where the contracts were in use by almost half of all businesses. The contracts were more commonly used by large companies than small businesses.
Zero-hours contracts were found to be relatively rare among workers in the financial and professional services and the manufacturing, energy and agricultural sectors.Zero-hours contracts were found to be relatively rare among workers in the financial and professional services and the manufacturing, energy and agricultural sectors.
Last week Ed Miliband said that zero-hour contracts, which often tie a worker to a single firm but in return do not guarantee employment from week to week, had reached "epidemic" levels as employers sought to exploit laws allowing flexible working. Chuka Umunna, Labour's shadow business secretary, described the figures as "shocking".
He said: "It is a staggerin​g illustration of the cost-of-living crisis under this Tory led government and a reminder that David Cameron and George Osborne are failing to deliver a balanced recovery that works for all.
"Labour is clear that we will outlaw zero-hours contracts where they exploit people, ensuring that people at work are protected and get a fair deal. It's time the Tory-led government matched our plans."
Last week Ed Miliband said the contracts, which often tie a worker to a single firm but in return do not guarantee employment from week to week, had reached "epidemic" levels as employers sought to exploit laws allowing flexible working.
Labour's leader said workers with irregular shifts and pay should get a contract with fixed hours if they had worked regularly for the same employer for a year.Labour's leader said workers with irregular shifts and pay should get a contract with fixed hours if they had worked regularly for the same employer for a year.
Responding to the latest figures from the ONS, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said zero-hours contracts were just one element of a national problem with in-work poverty.Responding to the latest figures from the ONS, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said zero-hours contracts were just one element of a national problem with in-work poverty.
Katie Schmuecker, policy and research manager at the foundation, said: "Zero-hours contracts are just one aspect of the UK's problem with in-work poverty. We have workers unable to get enough hours to lift themselves and their families out of poverty, and not being offered training and development by their employer, leaving them stuck in dead end jobs.Katie Schmuecker, policy and research manager at the foundation, said: "Zero-hours contracts are just one aspect of the UK's problem with in-work poverty. We have workers unable to get enough hours to lift themselves and their families out of poverty, and not being offered training and development by their employer, leaving them stuck in dead end jobs.
"Tackling in-work poverty requires the nature of jobs at the bottom of the labour market to change, alongside reform to the welfare system.""Tackling in-work poverty requires the nature of jobs at the bottom of the labour market to change, alongside reform to the welfare system."