MP HOPES TO BAN ZERO HOURS
A WORKERS’ Rights Bill that would effectively ban zero-hours contracts is to be given a second reading in the Commons next week.
The Bill from SNP MP and former union organiser Chris Stephens would give a new legal definition of a worker and make provisions for new rights at work.
Stephens said his Ten Minute Rule Bill would give workers greater protection from the first day of a job.
And he claimed it would also stop the clock being turned back to Victorian practices after Brexit.
As well as banning zero-hours contracts, the Bill would provide more safeguards to those in “precarious” work.
It would also penalise employers for changing shifts at short notice and give employment protection rights to sub-contracted staff.
The Bill has attracted support from Labour and Lib Dem MPs and has been backed by trade unions.
Stephens said: “Employment law is devolved to Northern Ireland so there is no reason why it should not be to Scotland.
“The worst thing that can happen to this Bill is that it sits on the shelf. If we get a change of government or if employment law is devolved to Scotland it is ready to be picked up.”
He added: “The arithmetic of the Commons is such that we could get this through and even if we don’t this time, it gives us a new ideas and a new approach to employment legislation.”