The number of people on the controversial zero-hour contracts has hit an all time high at 910,000.
In 2005, there were just 100,000 people on zero-hour contracts. There are however signs that the number has reached a peak following Brexit, according to a leading Thinktank.
In its analysis, the Resolution Foundation found that there was a rise of over 100,000 in the last quarter of 2016.
Zero-hour contract are considered controversial due to no guarantee of minimum hours of work for employees. They must however be available at all times. Such contracts are popular among retailers, restaurants and hotels.
Unite, Britain’s largest union, urged the government to follow New Zealand’s lead and ban the contracts.
“There are now close to 1 million people in the UK on zero-hours contracts. That’s 1 million people with no job security, who are earning less than people in stable work and who, from week to week, do not know what they will have to live on” said the general secretary, Len McCluskey.
“Let’s learn from New Zealand – put workers’ welfare first and outlaw these hire and fire contracts.” he added.
Conor D’Arcy, a policy analyst at the foundation, believes that the zero-hour contracts are becoming less popular and slowing down due to the reputational damage suffered by firms using them.
“The negative publicity these contracts have attracted may well have played a role in their slowdown, as firms rethink their use. Not providing guaranteed hours of work for those who want it, especially those in low-paying roles, can have a hugely negative impact on the living standards of workers and their families, as budgeting becomes near impossible,” he said.
“Ever since ZHCs hit the headlines the numbers have increased sharply every six months. The latest figures bring this run to an end.” he added.