It has been reported that exclusivity clauses in zero hour contracts are to be banned.
Under a provision in the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015, which was passed under the Liberal-Conservative coalition government and came into force on Tuesday, new zero hour contracts will not permit exclusivity clauses which will stop staff who work hourly from working anywhere else.
In a statement, Minister of State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, Boles said: “Exclusivity clauses in zero hours contracts prevent people from boosting their income when they have no guarantee of work,” adding “Banning these clauses will give working people the freedom to take other work opportunities and more control over their work hours and income. It brings financial security one step closer for lots of families.”
However, concern has been voiced that zero hour contract employers could potentially sidestep the exclusivity ban, for example by offering contracts that guarantee just one hour of work.
