Jobs

By Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi, Senior Lecturer, York Business School, York St John University

Early on in his speech, the chancellor stated that, despite the pandemic, the UK still has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. But this statement is highly misleading as, in the UK, people in precarious and insecure work – such as those on zero-hours contracts – are considered employed. Indeed, these types of contracts can have a hugely devastating impact on people’s lives – yet a ban on them has been ignored by the government.

NHS staff are exempt from the pay freeze, as recognition of their work throughout the pandemic.

Read more from Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi on zero hours contacts in this joint article in The Conversation here.