With the Labour government signalling changes to zero-hour contracts, Gi Group, a prominent HR and recruitment agency with a branch in Doncaster, has emphasised the importance of choice and flexibility in temporary work.
In response to the proposed limits on zero-hour contracts, particularly those deemed ‘exploitative,’ Gi Group is highlighting the value of well-managed agreements that benefit both employees and employers.
Pete Taylor, Managing Director at Gi Group, stated:
“This new approach seems to indicate that employees will have the choice to opt to stay on zero hours, which we welcome – as it will maintain the choice for flexibility preferred by some workers and will support small businesses who have, for example, seasonal or peak periods of activity best served by temporary workers.”
He also expressed concerns about how the government plans to identify ‘exploitative’ contracts, calling it a “very complex question.”
Currently, around one million workers in the UK are employed on zero-hour contracts across various sectors.
Taylor added:
“We are relieved to see that zero-hour contracts have not been completely abolished by the new government as of yet, as this could have a huge, and in some cases detrimental, impact on both employees and employers. Many people actively seek and choose such work, and taking away that choice could prove unpopular.”
Although a full ban is off the table, Taylor explained that the limitations could still affect businesses, which will need to adapt to stay compliant with UK employment law.
Gi Group’s Resource Management Specialist, Jan Stroud, shared her experience benefiting from the flexibility of zero-hour contracts. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Jan had to leave her previous career but found new opportunities through Gi Group.
She said:
“Without this flexibility, I simply wouldn’t be able to work and so I am truly grateful for that choice.”
Gi Group UK, headquartered in Chesterfield, serves nearly 1,500 clients and employs close to 500 people across 87 locations. The company places one person in work every 90 seconds.
For more information, visit uk.gigroup.com.
