Story perspectives

Record 1.23 Million UK Workers on Zero-Hour Contracts

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

A record 1.23 million UK workers are on zero-hour contracts, up 91,000 in the past year, mainly 16- to 24-year-olds.
The Work Foundation notes 943,000 zero-hour workers are not in full-time education and depend on these contracts for full-time work.
The Employment Rights Act would ban exploitative contracts in 2027.
The act would provide guaranteed hours and compensation for cancellations.
Advocates urge swift implementation to secure hours and income.

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Story summary

A record 1.23 million UK workers are on zero-hour contracts, up 91,000 in the past year, mainly 16- to 24-year-olds.
The Work Foundation notes 943,000 zero-hour workers are not in full-time education and depend on these contracts for full-time work.
The Employment Rights Act would ban exploitative contracts in 2027.
The act would provide guaranteed hours and compensation for cancellations.
Advocates urge swift implementation to secure hours and income.