The Work Foundation at Lancaster University responded to the latest zero-hour contract data for May 2025 released by the Office for National Statistics. Rebecca Florisson, Principal Analyst of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University commented:

“Today’s data indicates a marked increase in the use of zero-hour contracts in the last year. There are now 1.17 million zero-hour contract workers, the second highest level on record.

“The UK Government is putting forward new plans to offer a right to guaranteed hours in its Employment Rights Bill to reflect hours worked by an employee in the first 12 weeks. The law is likely to be passed later this year, and we had expected to see the start of a long-term decline of zero-hour contracts in the UK. But this marked increase may signal some employers are resistant to dropping zero-hour contracts ahead of new legislation being introduced.

“The growth in zero-hour contracts is likely to impact groups facing structural inequalities in the labour market. Women represent 81% of the growth of 130,000 zero-hour contact workers on the year. Our previous research has shown that many workers are currently trapped in these unstable jobs as they have limited choices to find other forms of employment, and often have to trade security for much-needed flexibility to manage their health or their childcaring responsibilities.

“Nearly three in four (73.5%) people on zero-hour contracts in the UK are in severely insecure work. This means they face a worrying mix of financial and contractual insecurity, which also limits their rights and protections. Two-thirds of workers (66.8%) have been employed in zero-hour contracts for more than a year and would be eligible to get guaranteed hours if they wish.