\u201cExploited\u201d zero-hour contract workers across Sheffield will be offered guaranteed hours and reasonable notice of shifts as Sheffield City Council puts it support behind the Labour\u2019s new Employment Rights Bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cllr Karen McGowan: \u201cThere are thousands of workers in Sheffield that are on a zero-hour contract and this will be a big help to many of them. It will give Sheffield workers the prosperity, security and dignity they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Wednesday evening, the Sheffield City Council voted to pass a motion supporting the bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grace Laing, 20, who spent a year working on a zero-hour contract said: \u201cI found it difficult to plan a life around a work schedule where nothing was guaranteed. I didn’t have the same rights as someone on a fixed contract with regular hours. I didn\u2019t feel in control of my own hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would be called at 7am and told I was expected to be there at 8:30 which meant I felt constantly on call.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Cllr Kurtis Crossland defended zero-hour contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe see an attack on zero hour contracts in this budget. Some people want zero-hour contracts so let\u2019s make them work fairly for people and not villanise them for a quick soundbite.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trade unions will be given greater access to the workplace to intervene in exploitative practices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sam Morecroft, President of Sheffield Trades Union Council said: \u201cEvery zero hour contract is exploitative. All the flexibility is with the employers and never with the worker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n