We’ve just seen this report about Sports Direct and the zero hours contract issues. The headline rather boldly states that Sports Direct have “bowed to pressure” over their use of zero hours contracts.However reading further it appears they have settled the claim out of tribunal with no admission of liability and that they are still using zero hours contracts! They have promised to review how they use them & to be clearer with staff about what being on a casual contract means. Not a lot of bowing that we can see…The issue of zero hours contracts continues to rumble on with hugely divided opinion about their value and the ethics of not guaranteeing employees an income.
We continue to maintain our position that they have value in some industries and for some employees. As with any other employment practice, there will be employers (and employees) who abuse the position but we believe that should be tackled rather than a blanket ban on zero hours contracts.