Almost a million agency workers are set to benefit from new government zero-hour contract protections as Ministers yesterday [Tuesday 4 March] tabled amendments to the Employment Rights Bill following weeks of consultation and responses from business groups, trade unions and wider civil society.

The changes will mean a further 900,000 agency workers – including, as new analysis reveals, 2180 here in South Cambridgeshire – enjoy protections.

These amendments will ensure that agency work does not become a loophole in our plans to end exploitative zero hours contracts. They will offer increased security for working people to receive reasonable notice of shifts and proportionate pay when shifts are cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice – whilst retaining the necessary flexibility for employers in how they manage their workforces.

The Government’s Plan to Make Work Pay is a core part of the mission to grow the economy, raise living standards and create opportunities for people across the country. These amendments will deliver on the Plan for Change by tackling the low pay, poor working conditions and poor job security that has been holding the UK economy back.

South Cambridgeshire Labour’s Trade Union Liaison Officer Uroga Okello said,

“This Bill represents the biggest upgrade to workers rights in a generation – boosting living standards and firing growth – and that’s great news for families and business in South Cambridgeshire.

“Labour is making work pay, ensuring that working people in South Cambridgeshire receive a decent day’s pay for a hard day’s work. Agency workers mustn’t be left out of this new deal for working people – no one should be exploited, and we all deserve basic fairness at work.

“Labour promised South Cambridgeshire that a Labour Government meant change for the better – and that’s what we are delivering.”

The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

“For too long millions of workers have been forced to face insecure, low paid and irregular work, while our economy is blighted by low growth and low productivity.

“We have been working closely with businesses and workers to progress this landmark bill and deliver our Plan for Change – unleashing growth and making work pay for everyone.”

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“Past Governments’ low growth and low productivity economy simply did not deliver what the UK needs, which is why we are choosing stability, investment and reform, not chaos, austerity and decline. This is why our mission to grow the economy as part of our Plan for Change is based on putting more money in working people’s pockets by making wages fairer and work more secure.”