The Department of Business and Trade (DBT) has announced a new consultation to seek views on the practical details of implementing new rights to tackle one-sided flexibility in zero hours contracts.

These reforms are part of the Government’s wider Plan to Make Work Pay initiative. They aim to reduce the insecurity of hours and income that some workers face. The Government has confirmed that this is not a ban on zero-hour contracts and employers will be able to continue to adapt to seasonal variations and market conditions.

At the end of this consultation, the Government will develop and finalise the policy positions on the following areas that will give employees:

• a right to guaranteed hours, where the number of hours offered reflects the hours worked by the qualifying worker during a reference period
• a right to reasonable notice of shifts
• a right to payment of shifts for cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice.

Everyone with views on these reforms are encouraged to answer as many of the consultation questions as possible, preferably on the online platform. Responses can also be made via email or post.

The consultation closes on 25th August 2026.

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Article courtesy of the Charted Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP)