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Make Work Pay: ending one-sided flexibility – reforms of zero hours and similar contracts

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Summary

We are seeking views on reforms relating to zero hours and similar contracts, to implement measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025 to end one-sided flexibility.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

The government’s manifesto committed to end one-sided flexibility and ensure all jobs provide a baseline of security and predictability.

The government has taken this forward through 3 measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025, giving employees the right to:

  • guaranteed hours, where the number of hours offered reflects the hours worked by a qualifying worker during a reference period
  • reasonable notice of shifts and changes to these
  • payment for shifts cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice

These measures have not yet taken effect. This consultation seeks input on details of the new rights, which will be set out in regulations.

Following consultation, the government will develop final policy positions.

We encourage everyone with a view on these reforms to answer as many consultation questions as they feel comfortable with.

We strongly encourage you to respond via the online platform. Using the online survey will assist our analysis of the responses, enabling more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised.

Documents

Consultation on ending one-sided flexibility: reforms of zero hours and similar contracts

Request an accessible format.
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Ways to respond

or

Email to:

zerohours.consultation@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Write to:

Zero Hour Contracts Policy Team
Employment Rights Directorate
Department for Business and Trade
Old Admiralty Building
Admiralty Place
London
SW1A 2DY

Updates to this page

Published 2 June 2026

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