MSP calls on McDonald’s to scrap zero hours contracts
Rutherglen MSP James Kelly has called on McDonald’s to change its policy on employing workers on zero hours contracts, as the opening of their Rutherglen restaurant approaches.
Work is currently ongoing on the new restaurant, which will be located next to the Tesco superstore on Dalmarnock Road.
Last week, Paul Pomroy, chief executive of McDonald’s UK, defended the use of zero-hours contracts saying staff“love the flexibilty”.
However, James believes they are exploitative and has said that they have no place locally.
The MSP has welcomed the new business to the area, but does not want to see constituents stuck on unfair contracts.
The Rutherglen store, due to open later this year, will be one of 300 new outlets in the UK. It is expected to create 65 jobs.
The Labour MSP said:“It’s great to have businesses choosing to open new outlets in Rutherglen, and I welcome the investment.
“However, 65 jobs with no guaranteed hours whatsoever is very concerning for me.
“It’s exploitative, and not the sort of work that local people deserve.
“Being stuck on a zero hours contact can sometimes be the only option for people struggling to get work – but more often is not it causes those who really want employment to be stuck in exploitative jobs.
“Having to wait for a text message each day letting you know if you’ve got any hours stops people from enjoying work, leading stable lives and being able to budget week-in, week-out.
“I don’t want to see local people stuck on zero-hours contracts. That’s why I’m calling on McDonalds to end their obsession with them, and to start employing people fairly.”
A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “All our employees are given a permanent contract, entitling them to a range of benefits including holiday and sick pay, employee discounts and access to a wide range of training and qualifications. All McDonald’s employees start on more than the National Minimum Wage and every member of staff receives an annual performance and salary review, where they can earn an increase of up to 4.5per cent.
“We pride ourselves on being a flexible employer and our contracts reflect this.
“We have never used exclusivity clauses, nor do we ask our employees to be on call.
“When we recruit new staff, prospective employees are asked to indicate how many hours and what days they are available to work. This enables us to take on the range of full- and part-time staff needed to run our business effectively. We do not take on staff if we cannot give them hours to work.”
The spokesperson added they had began hiring people from Rutherglen and Cambuslang:“We are delighted to have begun recruitment for our new Rutherglen store, which is expected to open in winter 2015, and we are excited about developing a long and positive relationship with the local community and its residents.”
“We have already hired over 30 local people, and recruitment is ongoing for another 50 new employees.”