County Labour Group to challenge zero hour contracts
Devon County Council’s Labour Group were shocked at the revelation that Devon County Council has admitted it has almost 200 staff working on zero hours contracts, and that the use of the controversial contracts by the authority is growing.
The Labour Group will put down a formal motion to the Authority’s next full council meeting to cease the use of these contracts.
The County Labour Group previously attempted to persuade the County Council to agree to paying low paid staff a living wage , to bring it into line with Labour-led Exeter City Council, but this was rejected by Conservative members.
After opposition pressure, ministers are also now reviewing the growing use of these contracts where employees are not guaranteed work - also called “nil hour” deals - amid widespread fears from charities, churches, unions and many others that low-paid workers are being exploited.
Stuart Roden, South West organiser for the Unison union, said: “When unemployment is still pretty high, it can be the only option for some people, particularly with people on low pay."
County Labour Leader Cllr Richard Westlake said: “These contracts can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, from not being able to even rent a home to being unable to access tax credits or other benefits; and also being declined for essential financial products, as erratic hours and wage packets mean landlords won’t consider taking on tenants, and financial firms won’t touch anyone who doesn’t have proof of a regular income.
"Zero-contracts go back to Victorian times when workers had to wait in line for bosses to cherry pick who they wanted to dole work out to and when, with no proper security or guaranteed income. How can people manage to regulate their lives in a proper civilized way?
"As Devon’s biggest local authority, the County Council has a moral duty to lead from the front on this issue and ensure that we are using proper contacts, particularly as we are generally such a low wage economy.”
Deputy County Labour Leader Cllr Jill Owen adds: “We are also very concerned that these contacts are forcing some young people who are working, but homeless to 'sofa surf' with friends and others, which also adds to their insecurity and overall concerns, which is simply wrong.
"Responsible local councils should be joining and supporting campaigns - both local and national - to improve living standards and conditions for those on lower incomes; especially as current research shows that those employed on zero-hours contracts receive lower gross weekly pay - an average of £236 per week, compared to £482 for workers not on these contracts.”
Like to get involved? Join or support Labour at www.labour.org.uk
