Number of workers on zero-hours contracts hits record high
BBC World
February 24, 2026
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The number of workers in the UK employed on zero-hours contracts has reached a record high, with 1.23 million people now working under such arrangements as of December. This figure represents an increase of 91,000 compared to the previous year and marks a significant rise since Labour took power in 2024, with 181,000 more people on zero-hours contracts than when Labour was elected. The surge has been particularly pronounced among young workers aged 16 to 24, who are five times more likely to be employed under these contracts. Women make up over half (54%) of those in such roles, highlighting a gender disparity in this employment trend.
Zero-hours contracts allow employers to hire staff without guaranteeing them specific hours of work, leaving employees uncertain about their schedules and income. This lack of stability has drawn criticism for its role in creating financial insecurity and limiting workers' ability to plan ahead. Advocates argue that these contracts provide flexibility for young people entering the workforce or managing other commitments like education or childcare. However, critics maintain that such arrangements trap workers in insecure jobs with little control over their hours and pay.
The UK government plans to address this issue through its Employment Rights Act, which includes a ban on "exploitative" zero-hours contracts as one of its key policies. Under the act, eligible workers will have the right to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts, and compensation for canceled work with short notice. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has emphasized the importance of these measures in boosting incomes, raising living standards, and enhancing productivity. However, experts warn that urgent action is needed to finalize and implement these reforms, as employers continue to rely heavily on zero-hours contracts despite Labour's planned crackdown.
The Work Foundation, a think tank, underscores the "urgent need" for swift implementation of these measures, noting that nearly 32.8% of workers on zero-hours contracts are now relying on them for full-time work. Many of these individuals seek additional hours or second jobs to make ends meet, highlighting the growing dependence on precarious employment arrangements. Anna Jameson, a young retail worker from South Yorkshire, shared her struggle with unpredictable hours and wages, making it difficult to secure stable housing. Her
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026