Since the recession, the instability of zero-hours contracts has been a growing problem. Employers in Britain are now using around 1.4 million employee contracts, according to a snapshot survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics earlier this year.
The Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna, said: “Under the Tory-led government we’ve seen a rising tide of insecurity, as ministers have attacked and removed workplace rights and protections, and life at work has become increasingly insecure for so many people ….
“Alongside the need for more high-skilled, better-paid jobs, the workplace must be a place which affords dignity, respect and fairness for all. That’s why Labour would abolish zero-hours contracts where they exploit people, and where the Government has introduced tribunal fees for employees suffering discrimination or poor treatment, we will reform the … tribunal system to ensure affordability is never a barrier to justice.”