UK Government Consultation: reforms of zero hours and similar contracts
The UK government is 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.
Provisions within the Employment Rights Act 2025 introduce three measures designed to provide employees with the right to:
guaranteed hours, where the number of hours offered reflects those actually worked by a qualifying worker during a reference period
reasonable notice of shifts and any changes to them
payment where shifts are cancelled, curtailed, or moved at short notice
These measures are not yet in force. This consultation seeks views on the detailed design of the new rights, which will be set out in secondary legislation.
Following the consultation process, the Government will develop its final policy positions.
Stakeholders are invited to respond to as many questions as they feel able to address.
Responses are encouraged via the online platform, as this will support analysis and enable more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised.
SGF will be providing a response to this consultation: It closes 11:59pm on 25 August 2026
You can response online here: Make Work Pay: ending one-sided flexibility – reforms of zero hours and similar contracts - GOV.UK
