NDM6244 - Assembly Debates
Tabled on 22/02/2017 | For debate on 22/02/2017To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:
1. Believes that, although zero-hours contracts can benefit employers and workers in the freedom and flexibility they can offer, they can also create problems relating to reliability of income, security of employment, employment status and the balance of power between employer and employee.
2. Notes that, for the majority of those employed on zero-hours contracts, this freedom is more illusory than real and, for those who need a minimum number of working hours per week to ensure financial security for their family, life on a zero-hours contract is one of almost permanent uncertainty;
3. Notes that, for those who have had their hours reduced or changed because of a perceived unwillingness to work the hours their employer requires or following the lodging of a workplace complaint, this uncertainty can be coupled with the anxiety that comes from exploitation.
4. Believes that working on zero hours contracts has the potential to:
a) create a life of stress;
b) impact negatively on the management of household budgets;
c) impinge on family commitments;
d) undermine employment rights and relations; and
e) complicate access to tax credits and other benefits, the continued rise of which is a growing concern.
Tabled By
Amendments
Delete point 1 and replace with:
Believes that the potential variability of work and earnings as a result of zero hour contracts can be a source of financial instability and stress and that unfair employment terms and conditions can have a negative impact on staff morale and productivity in a way that leads to a poorer quality service.
Tabled By
Add as new point after point 3 and renumber accordingly:
Regrets that attempts by Plaid Cymru to ban zero hour's contracts in various sectors on five different occasions during the fourth Assembly were voted down by the Labour Welsh Government and Welsh Conservatives.
Tabled By
In point 4, add as new sub-point:
'lead to a poorer quality service.'
Tabled By
Add as new point at end of motion:
Calls upon the Welsh Government to ban the use of zero hours contracts in all devolved Welsh public services.
Tabled By
Add as new points at end of motion:
Recognises the action the Welsh Government is taking to address the use of zero hours contracts in social care.
Welcomes the work of the Workforce Partnership Council in this area, which led to the publication of the Public Services Staff Commission's principles and guidance on the appropriate use of non-guaranteed working hours arrangements in devolved public services in Wales.
'Principles and Guidance on the appropriate use of non-guaranteed working hours arrangements in devolved public services in Wales
Tabled By
Add as new point at end of motion:
Ensures that the use of zero-hour contracts, including specifying this through any services that are procured, is prohibited in the Assembly.
Tabled By
Delete points 2, 3 and 4 and replace with:
Notes that employment practices are rapidly changing, including an increase in zero hours contracts, self-employment and short-term 'gig' work.
Recognises the work carried out by the UK Government to clamp down on abuses in zero-hours contracts, including the banning of exclusivity clauses.
Welcomes the UK Government's commissioning of the Taylor Review on Modern Employment Practices which will consider the implications of new forms of work on workers' rights and responsibilities.
'Press release - Taylor review on modern employment practices launches
