Zero hours crackdown could cost firms up to £2.9bn a year
Labour's employment rights bill crackdown on zero hours contracts could cost businesses up to £2.9bn a year, new official analysis has found.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I don't think it's fair for somebody to be on a contract where they literally don't know whether or not they're going to be working at all, and yet they're bound by that contract."
— Baroness Jacqui Smith , Politician
"It would be a further hammer blow for companies that are struggling."
— Kate Shoesmith , Executive
"I question whether the reforms would actually deliver value for workers."
— Helen Dickinson , Executive
"Zero hours contracts are archaic."
— Charlotte Brumpton-Childs , Activist
Key People
Baroness Jacqui Smith is a UK politician and currently serves as the Skills Minister.
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs is a national secretary at GMB.
Helen Dickinson is the chief executive of the British Retail Consortium.
Kate Shoesmith is the director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce.
Locations
All Coverage
Labour's employment rights bill crackdown on zero hours contracts could cost businesses up to £2.9bn a year, new official analysis has found.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
'It could cost me £10k but I need the money now': Why Gen Z are opting out of pensions
A growing number of people are opting out of these schemes due to cost-of-living pressures.
October 1, 2026 at 11:00 PMHousehold energy bills forecast to see biggest rise in four years
A typical household faces an annual gas and electricity bill of £1,999 from January, based on a key forecast.
September 29, 2026 at 11:03 PMSuppliers pile pressure on government over energy bills
Immediate action is needed to help households struggling with bills this winter, says trade body Energy UK.
October 3, 2026 at 03:47 AM£1.2bn on transfers with £830m inflated in accounts - Man City's 'asterisk era'
BBC Sport analyses Manchester City's dominance of English football during the period in which they were breaching financial rules.
September 30, 2026 at 06:26 AMBest thing we can offer young people is a job, not benefits, says chancellor
John Healey's speech comes ahead of next month's Budget, as he faces pressure to bring down government borrowing costs.
September 28, 2026 at 06:07 PMChildminder facing 'severe financial burden' as heating oil costs rise
The war in Iran is having a practical impact on people across the island as energy prices continue to climb.
September 28, 2026 at 09:01 AM