Ireland bans zero hour contracts

This will be the last Christmas during which Irish retail employees will work under zero-hour contracts, after a new law banning their controversial use was passed on Wednesday.

Zero-hours contracts became particularly prevalent in the retail industry in recent years, as they allowed companies to hire staff without providing minimum working hours. The practice was often criticised by trade unions and politicians for preventing workers from having financial stability.

The Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will ban these contracts except in cases of genuine casual labour and emergencies. It is expected to come into force in March, according to reports.

"This is one of the most significant changes to working conditions in a generation and, crucially, will improve the security and predictability of working hours for employees on insecure contracts and those working variable hours,” Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty told the Irish Examiner.

Designed to protect workers’ rights, the bill will be another blow to retailers amid tough trading conditions and a shift to online shopping.

Zero-hour contracts are also used in Ireland’s agriculture, food and media sectors.

Ireland bans zero hour contracts

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