Number of Scots workers relying on zero hours contracts rises ahead of planned clampdown

The number of Scots workers stuck on zero-hours contracts has risen ahead of UK Government plans to ban them.

Official figures published today show more than 102,000 workers were reliant on the contracts in the last three months, the joint highest proportion throughout the UK.

About one million UK people are currently employed on zero-hours contracts, while those aged under-25 are five times more likely to have one than older workers.

The UK Government has already introduced an Employment Rights Bill to give workers the right to a contract reflecting the number of hours they regularly work.

It also requires bosses to give "reasonable notice" and compensation if shifts are changed or cancelled. Labour believes the rules will provide more security and less instability for workers.

Roz Foyer, Scotland's most senior trade unionist, said the high number of Scots reliant on the contracts proved the need for urgent change.

READ MORE: Hospitality businesses demand support at SNP Budget as pubs and restaurants left 'shattered'

READ MORE: Stephen Flynn bids to become MSP at 2026 Holyrood election but won't quit Westminster job

The general secretary of the STUC said: "Scotland continues to bear the shameful mark as the zero hours nation of the UK as we witness an eye-watering and utterly inexcusable 30 per cent increase in workers being subjected to one over the last quarter.

"There is a clear power imbalance within the workplace. Zero hours contracts do little more than strip workers of their agency and hand employers, especially rogue, unscrupulous bosses, the power to determine whether a worker can pay their rent or foot their bills come the end of the month.

The Employment Rights Bill from the UK Government is a start but all loopholes on all zero hours contracts must be closed and an outright ban put in place. Otherwise, it will be letting Scotland’s workers down.

"The case for employment law to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament still remains unanswerable as we seek to enhance and improve our working rights, banning zero hours contracts entirely and seeking to boost pay, terms and conditions for all workers in Scotland."

Unions have repeatedly warned such terms do not offer enough financial stability and security. But employers argue they offer staff flexibility - particularly younger people who may also be studying.

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, is the driving force behind the work reforms.

She has also announced an end to unscrupulous “fire and rehire” and employment rights from day one.

The protections will be policed by a Fair Work Agency. The Government’s Employment Rights Bill builds on a manifesto vow for greater security for staff across the UK.

The proposals contain 28 reforms following consultation with unions and ­business groups. Under the plan, millions of workers will qualify for protection against unfair dismissal from the first day of ­employment.

To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here