Large rise in zero-hours contracts

Official figures have shown a substantial increase in the number of people employed on zero-hours contracts across the UK.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showed that 744,000 were on the controversial deals between April and June, compared to 624,000 in the same period last year - a rise of 19 per cent.

In Scotland 51,000 were employed on the contracts, representing an estimated 1.9 per cent of those in employment.

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This is the lowest rate in the UK, but Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said the rate of increase was what mattered.

“It really is time for politicians at all levels to quit trumpeting ‘record employment levels’ and actually start interrogating what is happening in the labour market.

“There has been a discernible increase in low wage, precarious employment over the last decade. The consequent impact on poverty, inequality and wellbeing has been severe,” he said.

Zero-hours contracts allow employers to hire staff without guaranteeing them a minimum amount of work every week.

ONS statistician Nick Palmer said the rise may have been the result of increased recognition of the term.

Institute of Directors director of policy James Sproule defended their use, and said they had contributed to the recovery.

“Zero hours contracts offer businesses and employees an important degree of flexibility. For skilled professionals, a degree of flexibility can boost their earning power, while flexibility also suits students and older people – the main users of zero hours contracts – who cannot commit to a set number of hours each and every week,” he said.