Trade unions and employers have put forward a joint proposal to government for legislation to provide greater protection for precarious workers. If adopted, this will outlaw zero-hours contracts with all workers entitled to a minimum level of working hours each month. It will also aim to close any loopholes to ensure that all workers who’ve been on temporary contracts for three years will be offered a permanent contract. Further provisions include allowing temporary contracts only when required by illness or surges in demand and greater protection for temporary workers against dismissal. The social partners hope that a proposal for a new form of temporary leave will encourage more permanent contracts as it will allow employers facing difficulties the option to reduce working time by 20% while maintaining wages, with support from the government.
Unions and employers agree proposal on precarious work
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