Zero hours review ‘inadequate’

The Work Foundation said the use of zero hours contracts, under which people do not know if they are working from one week to the next, varies between sectors.

Almost one in five hospitality firms use the contracts, but they are rare in retailing, a study of the Labour Force Survey found.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced a review following reports that growing numbers of workers are on such deals.

Ian Brinkley, of the Work Foundation, said there was “confusion” over the numbers of workers involved. “There are vast numbers of workers who are unaware they are on zero hours contracts.”