Plans to cut ‘flexible working’ under fire

FLEXIBLE working hours that enable parents, students and carers to balance jobs with their other commitments must not be regulated out of existence by reforms to scrap zero-hours contracts, retail industry leaders have warned.

- BY HENRY SAKER-CLARK

Proposed new rules set out by ministers last week would require employers to offer staff on zero-hours or short-hours contracts a minimum number of regular working hours each week.

A consultation on how to implement the changes, which would come into effect next year, noted that the government wants a guaranteed minimum of between eight and 20 hours per week, if current contracts are at or below that level.

However, the plan has come under fire from unions, employers and trade groups.