Potential implementation: 2027

What is the position now?

Employers are not currently required to guarantee hours for zero-hours or low-hours workers, including agency workers.

What is changing?

The government plans to introduce a right for certain workers to be offered guaranteed hours that reflect the hours they regularly work. After a set period (likely around 12 weeks), employers would need to look at how many hours a worker has actually worked and offer a contract based on that pattern. Workers can refuse the offer and stay on their existing terms if they prefer flexibility.

Are there exceptions?

Yes. Employers may:

• Use collective agreements with trade unions to change how the right applies

• Offer fixed-term guaranteed hours where there is a genuine short-term or specific need

There are also proposals to extend this right to agency workers, with responsibility likely to fall on the end hirer. Employers who do not use zero-hours or low-hours workers are unlikely to be affected.

As at Feb 26