Unions worry Labour’s plan for zero-hours contracts may break manifesto pledge

Labour's proposed policy on zero-hours contracts is facing scrutiny from trade unions, which fear the plan may fall short of the party's commitment outlined in its manifesto. Union leaders are actively seeking reassurances from Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds regarding the effectiveness of the upcoming legislation.

The TUC has publicly condemned what it describes as "scaremongering" tactics employed by business groups. These groups, according to the unions, are attempting to influence the policy debate and potentially weaken the impact of the new regulations. The unions' concern is that this opposition could render the intended legislation ineffective.

Union leaders are particularly worried that the proposed measures, if diluted by business pressure, might fail to deliver the significant changes promised to workers on zero-hours contracts. They are pushing for strong guarantees that the legislation will genuinely tackle precarious employment and uphold the spirit of the Labour manifesto's pledge.