The GMB union has spotted that the number of UK workers on zero hours contracts has hit a record high.
Today’s labour market report shows there were 1,133,441 people employed on a zero hours contract in October to December 2022. That’s up from 1.034m in the final quarter of 2021, and the highest on record.
The GMB says Rishi Sunak is presiding over a ‘tidal wave’ of insecure work.
Younger people (those 16-24), and those in the hospitality industry, are more likely than other workers to be on zero-hours contracts.
Gary Smith, GMB general secretary, said: “This government is making history for all the wrong reasons.
“Rishi Sunak is presiding over a tidal wave of insecure work and exploitative zero-hours employment is higher than ever.
“The economy is stalling and his answer is to launch a bonfire of workers’ rights while other countries get with ending these contracts for good.
“Zero-hours contracts are a key part of a broken employment model in sectors from social care to retail. It’s time for a government that will fight for workers’ rights.”
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