MPs to question unions on zero-hours contracts
24 February 2014
The Scottish Affairs Committee holds a further oral evidence session with representatives from trade unions on zero-hours contracts, at 2.30pm on Tuesday 25 February 2014.
- Parliament TV: watch the Zero-Hours Contracts evidence session
- Inquiry: Zero-Hours Contracts
- Scottish Affairs Committee
Witnesses
Tuesday 25 February 2014, Committee Room 6, Palace of Westminster
At 2.30pm
- Mick Cash, Senior Assistant General Secretary, National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
- Scot Walker, Chairperson, Unite Scotland
Purpose of the session
This session looks to establish a more accurate picture of the number employed on these contracts and what effect that has on those people and the economy as a whole.
The term “zero-hours contract” is a colloquial term for an employment contract in which the employee is not guaranteed work, and is paid only for work carried out. Under such terms, people agree to be available for work as and when required, but have no guaranteed hours or times of work.
Zero-hours contracts effectively provide employers with a pool of people who are 'on-call' and can be used as and when the need arises.