Thank you for contacting me about one-sided flexibility.
While not suitable for everyone, I believe that one-sided flexibility have a part to play in a modern, flexible labour market because, for a small proportion of the workforce, that may be the kind of contract that is right for them. Two-thirds of workers on these contracts do not want more hours.
However, it is important to make sure that those benefitting from the flexibility of these contracts are not exploited by unscrupulous employers and therefore the Government legislated to ban exploitative zero hours arrangements meaning it is illegal for employers to include exclusivity clauses in these contracts. This means that people have the freedom to look for and take other work opportunities and have more control over their work hours and income. Individuals on these contracts can also make a complaint to an employment tribunal if their employer mistreats them for working, or seeking to work, elsewhere.
Most recently, the Government has announced its intention to widen the ban on exclusivity clauses which restrict staff from working with multiple employers to those whose income is below or equivalent to the Lower Earnings Limit at £123 a week. You may be interested to know that approximately 1.5 million workers earn £123 or below a week and therefore these new reforms will ensure that these people who have exclusivity clauses also have the freedom to top up their income with extra work if they choose.
As I understand it, legislation will be introduced in due course, and I will follow this issue closely. Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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