The number of UK workers on zero-hours contracts has reached a record 1.23 million, according to analysis by the Work Foundation at Lancaster University. This represents a 91,000 increase from the previous year, with young workers aged 16-24 and those not in full-time education driving much of the growth.

The surge comes as the UK government prepares to implement Labour's planned crackdown on these contracts through the Employment Rights Act. Under the new legislation, workers will gain the right to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of schedules, and compensation for last-minute shift cancellations. The Department for Business and Trade says these measures will provide the security workers need.

Critics argue zero-hours contracts create financial instability for workers who face unpredictable schedules and income. Retail worker Anna Jameson described struggling with "constantly fluctuating hours and wages" that make it impossible to plan ahead or secure rental accommodation. Trade unions are pushing for the Employment Rights Act measures to be implemented immediately, while employers maintain reliance on the "highly precarious" contracts that underpin what unions call 'one-sided flexibility'.