Bill on right to request predictable hours gets Royal Assent

A new Bill which gives workers on zero hours contracts the right to ask for more predictable working hours has received Royal Assent.

The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill means people on atypical contracts, including  zero hours contracts and fixed-term contracts of less than 12 months can make a formal application to change their working patterns to make it more predictable. Once a worker has made their request, their employer will be required to notify them of their decision within a month.

Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Although zero hours contracts can often suit workers who want to work flexibly and employers whose needs vary, it is unfair for anyone to have to put their lives on hold to make themselves available for shifts that may never actually come – this Act helps to end the guessing game.”

Acas will produce a new Code of Practice giving clear guidance on making and handling requests for consultation in the next few weeks. It is expected that the law will be implemented in about a year’s time.

Ben Willmott, Head of Public Policy at the Chartered Institute of Personnel an Development, said: “This new right should prompt more employers to ensure that the flexibility in non-standard employment arrangements works for both the business and workers wherever possible, boosting their efforts to recruit and retain staff.”

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