The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill, introduced by Blackpool South MP Scott Benton, aims to give workers – predominantly those on zero hours or in the gig economy – and agency workers the right to request more predictable terms and conditions of work.

The Bill, which would apply to all workers and employees, including agency workers, comes after a review found many workers on zero-hours contracts experience ‘one-sided flexibility’.

This means people across the UK are currently left waiting, unable to get on with their lives in case of being called up at the last minute for a shift. With a more predictable working pattern, workers will have a guarantee of when they are required to work, with hours that work for them.

Debate on the Bill is usually short, and limited to what is actually in the Bill, rather than, as at second reading, what might have been included. Amendments, or proposals for change, cannot be made to a Bill at third reading in the Commons. 

At the end of the debate, the House decides whether to approve the third reading of the Bill. The Bill will then go to the House of Lords for its first reading.

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