The Workers (Definition and Rights) Bill is undergoing its second reading in the House of Commons today.
It is radical. If enacted, it would merge the definition of 'employee' and 'worker' to provide identical employment rights to both categories. It requires employers to give at least seven days' notice of shifts to zero-hour workers, and pay a (heavy) financial penalty if they cancel a zero-hour workers' shift once accepted by the worker. Finally, it allows an agency worker to bring unlawful deductions claims directly against the contractor or end-user (as well as against the agency).
However, the Bill is a private member's bill being introduced under the ten minute rule - and they rarely become law.
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