The BBC says it understands Matthew Taylor, CEO of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), who has been leading a review into the gig economy since last year, will say this new "right to request" fixed hours will be similar to the present right to request flexible hours – after having a child, for example. Under the proposal, employers would have to respond "seriously" to any request and provide reasons for their decision.

The idea was backed by employers group the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in its submission to the Taylor review, who also said that all employees should have their terms and conditions set out in a written statement.

Earlier this month, Taylor released a blog in which he called on employers to place a greater emphasis on training and career development as high levels of job insecurity and fear at work of losing their jobs or a reduction of status have been shown to be drivers of poor productivity.

Taylor is due to report his findings back to government later this summer following the 8 June General Election.

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