Event Details

Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University to discuss new research and how different policy choices could shape the future of work for the zero-hour contract workers.

The UK Government came into office pledging to end one-sided flexibility by banning 'exploitative' zero-hour contracts. The Employment Rights Act 2025 will introduce new rights to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts, and compensation when shifts are cancelled, moved or curtailed at short notice. The Government is currently consulting on how these measures will operate in practice before they come into force in 2027.

To understand what these reforms could mean for workers, the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, supported by the TUC, conducted interviews and digital diaries with people working on zero-hour contracts across the UK. The research provides new insights into how workers experience insecurity, flexibility and unpredictability in their working lives.

The event will take place on Zoom. Speakers include:

• Alice Martin (Head of Research, Work Foundation at Lancaster University)
• Tim Sharp (Head of Employment Rights, TUC)
• George Williams (Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University).