TUC study finds most zero-hours workers remain in insecure roles for years

Research from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) suggests that most workers on zero-hours or variable-hour contracts remain in these insecure roles for at least two years. The study found that over half of these employees have been with their current employer for at least two years, while one in six have remained in the same position for a decade or more.

Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, challenged claims that zero-hours contracts are primarily used by students seeking side hustles. He argued that the analysis shows most of these workers rely on these roles as their main source of income and face significant financial instability due to unpredictable weekly earnings and hours.

Union leaders are calling on the UK government to deliver promised employment rights, including guaranteed hours, to provide security for low-paid workers. Joanne Thomas, general secretary of the shopworkers’ union Usdaw, stated that the right to guaranteed hours could provide essential security for millions of workers currently facing unpredictable schedules.