By Pravin Jeyaraj
The engineering magazine New Civil Engineer have reported that three major public sector organisations have introduced measures to make sure suppliers do not use zero hours contracts or, if absolutely necessary, use them appropriately.
The overwhelming reason for the change in supplier procurement policy appears to be one of safety concerns. Academic research has previously highlighted the risk to health of working on a zero hours contract.
Network Rail is moving to annual commitment contracts with suppliers, based on annual volume forecasts, with a view that it incentives suppliers to invest in more permanent staff. Bidders for contracts will also be asked to provide details of proportion of staff on zero hours contracts. The measures were implemented after concerns about contractor fatigue were reported to the board. Zero hour contract workers or those with multiple jobs were seen as contributory risk factors.
Transport for Scotland require suppliers who are bidding for contracts to describe how they will adopt Fair Work Practices, including how they will ensure that zero hour contracts are not used inappropriately. The aim is to positively discourage the use of inappropriate zero hour contracts.
Highways England has emphasised that it does not use zero hour contracts nor do they use contracts that have a zero hour aspect to them. However, it has been concerned about that the use of zero hours workers by its suppliers could impact the safety of both workers and road users.