Ban on exclusive zero-hours contracts takes effect

The ban on exclusivity clauses in zero-hours contracts has now come into force.

It means that employees can no longer be tied to a company that may not have any work to offer them.

The ban took effect on 26 May as part of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.

The measure was introduced because some firms, including recruitment agencies, had been using exclusivity clauses to prevent an individual from working for another employer, even if the firm had nothing to offer them for long periods.

Ministers believed this undermined choice and flexibility for the individuals affected.

It’s estimated that the ban will benefit the 125,000 zero-hours contract workers tied to exclusivity clauses.

Please contact John Carter if you would like more information about the issues raised in this article or any other aspect of employment law.