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

“The number of people on zero-hour contracts continues its upward rise to near record levels. There are now 1.2 million people on zero-hour contracts, the second highest on record.

“The increase in zero-hour contracts may be partly seasonal and appears largely driven by women, and young workers aged 16-24 year olds. There are now 508,000 young workers aged 16-24 on zero-hour contracts – the highest level on record.

“This continued rise in the use of zero-hour contracts comes at a time when the labour market is weakening and employers are facing rising costs. However, it is surprising in the context of new legislation due to come in 2027. The Employment Rights Bill – which is heading towards Royal Assent – aims to provide guaranteed hours to workers on zero-hour contracts after a likely reference period of 12 weeks. In 2023, 92.5% of zero-hour contract workers would have qualified to be offered guaranteed hours. This is an important step towards providing more security in these types of contracts.

"But the proposed legislation does not appear to reduce the appetite for hiring on these insecure contracts and raises a concern that some employers will look to employ people in other insecure forms such as through gig platforms when the changes come into effect.”