The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) welcomed the announcement by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, the introduction of legislation aimed at preventing abuses of zero-hours contracts by unscrupulous employers, by the removal of exclusivity clauses which will enable both employers and their employees’ greater flexibility and adaptability.
“A survey of the Association’s manpower-based sections in late 2013 revealed that 73.9% of employers operating in the manned-guarding sector currently employ staff on zero hours contracts, citing the ability to meet high demand over short periods of time as the primary benefit.
“That being said, it is important to note that zero hours contracts only provide benefits when applied correctly and in accordance with the Working Time Directive, and the BSIA shall continue to work with its members to ensure that the existing high levels of employee welfare are maintained within our sector.” Commented Trevor Elliott, Director of Membership and Manpower Services at the BSIA
The action on zero hours forms part of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill was announced yesterday by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills; “Following on from our consultation into zero hours contracts, we are announcing:
- a ban on the use of exclusivity clauses in all zero hours contracts; we will also consult further to prevent bad employers from circumventing the rules through simple avoidance techniques
- we will work with business representatives and unions to develop a code of practice on the fair use of zero hours contracts and,
- we will work with stakeholders to review existing guidance and improve information available to individuals and employers on using these contracts”