Emma joined Labour MPs in Parliament this Friday (21 November) to support a bill limiting the use of zero hours contracts. The Bill, tabled by the Labour MP for Gateshead Ian Mearns, would give employees on these contracts equal status and rights to full-time staff, as well as guaranteeing them an offer of a fixed-hours contract once they have worked for their employer for 12 weeks. Emma is proud to be a co-sponsor of the Bill.
Labour MPs were in Parliament to vote for the Bill, but unfortunately Tory MPs were able to prevent a vote from being held by speaking to extend the debate until time ran out. Unfortunately this tactic meant that Emma was unable to speak, but she has spoken out in the past against the abuse of zero hours contracts and the effect they have on those on low incomes.
Over 1.4 million people are currently employed on zero hours contracts in the UK. Many do not know whether they will get enough shifts each week to cover their bills. This is part of the growing trend towards insecure work that has been seen under the Coalition. A survey carried out this year shows that 12 million people in Britain do not feel secure in their job.
Ed Miliband has promised that a Labour government in 2015 would take action to end the exploitation of workers on zero hours contracts. Like the Bill debated on Friday, Labour’s plans would see workers on zero hours contracts given equal rights to full time staff, guarantee a fixed contract for those who have worked with the same company long term and would end the ‘exclusivity clausess’ which prevent staff from looking for work elsewhere.
Speaking after Friday’s debate, Emma said:
“The growing number of zero hours contracts tells you everything you need to know about work in David Cameron’s Britain. Over a million people wake up in the morning not knowing if there will be any work for them, and that makes it really difficult for them to support themselves and their families.
“I’m disappointed that Tory MPs stopped us from being able to back this Bill today, as it could have made a big difference to those low-paid workers. It’s clear that we need a Labour government if those workers are ever going to get a fairer deal.”