Gov consultation | Zero-hours contract reforms could create 'more rather than less insecure employment', HR experts warn

The Government has launched a major consultation on plans to overhaul zero-hours contracts, prompting a mixed reaction from HR professionals, employers and labour market experts over whether the reforms will improve job security or create new challenges for businesses.

The consultation, published by the Department for Business and Trade, seeks views on how to implement new rights contained in the Employment Rights Act 2025. The measures would give qualifying workers the right to guaranteed hours based on the hours they regularly work, reasonable notice of shifts, and compensation when shifts are cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice.

While worker advocates have hailed the proposals as a long-overdue attempt to tackle insecure work, HR experts have raised concerns about the practicalities of implementation and the potential for employers to respond by seeking flexibility elsewhere.

HR concerns over complexity and compliance

Among the most vocal critics is the CIPD, which warned that poorly designed regulations could have the opposite effect to that intended.