UK Government Consults On Zero Hours Contracts Reforms

The consultation seeks views on three new rights for qualifying workers: guaranteed hours, notice of shifts and payment if shifts are changed.

At a Glance

• The UK Government has opened a new consultation on the significant zero hours contracts measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA 2025), with responses due by August 25, 2026.
• The consultation seeks views on the detailed rules that will underpin three new rights for qualifying workers (and agency workers): a right to be offered guaranteed hours, a right to reasonable notice of shifts, and a right to payment where shifts are cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice. The stated policy aim is to reduce insecurity for zero-hours and low-hours workers while preserving enough flexibility for businesses to respond to changing demand.