Tue, 24 Feb 2026

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 Number of workers on zero-hours contracts hits record high ahead of crackdown

There has been a 181,000 increase in the number of zero-hours contracts since Labour was elected.

* 1.23 million people in the UK were employed on zero-hours contracts in December, a record high and an increase of 91,000 from the previous year.
* Young workers (16-24) are five times more likely to be on zero-hours contracts than any other age group.
* Women make up over half (54%) of workers on zero-hours contracts.
* 32.8% of zero-hours contractors rely on these contracts for full-time work, with many looking for additional hours or second jobs.
* Critics argue that zero-hours contracts leave workers facing unpredictable schedules, no guaranteed income, and financial insecurity.
* Labour's Employment Rights Act aims to ban zero-hours contracts and provide workers with a right to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of their schedules, and compensation for shifts cancelled with short notice.
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