In its election manifesto, the UK Independence Party (UKIP) said it would allow British businesses to give British workers preferential treatment over foreign workers when hiring.

Following on from manifestos published by Labour, the Tories, the Lib Dems and the Green Party this week, in their election manifesto UKIP also promises to prevent access to European Union (EU) schemes that encourage businesses to hire foreign workers. 

Additionally, UKIP commits to the reform of zero-hour contracts. Under their proposals, businesses hiring 50 people or more must give workers on zero-hours contracts either a full or part-time secure contract after one year, if the workers involved request it, while employer exclusivity clauses in zero-hours contracts would also be outlawed. 

Employers would also be required to give workers on zero-hours contracts at least 12 hours advance notice of work. Once notice has been given, they would need to be paid for the work, regardless of whether or not they are actually needed.