Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill

A Bill to amend the Welfare Reform Act 2012 to provide that a Universal Credit claimant may not be sanctioned for refusing work on a zero hours contract; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

4 October 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would stop sanctioning Universal Credit claimants who refuse a zero hours contract job. It would amend the Welfare Reform Act 2012 to ensure turning down work offered on a zero-hours basis cannot trigger a penalty, and to shield claimants from punitive sanctions when job offers are uncertain.

Key Points

Prohibits sanctions for refusing zero-hours contract work under Universal Credit
Amends the Welfare Reform Act 2012 to implement this rule
Recognises the uncertain nature of zero-hours contracts and the need for flexible work arrangements
Maintains other sanctions rules in Universal Credit but removes penalties linked to zero-hours offers
Administrators in the Department for Work and Pensions and jobcentres would implement the new rule

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons and has not yet moved to committee stage.

Who is affected?

Universal Credit claimantsPeople who might be offered zero-hours contract workJobcentre staff and Work CoachesDepartment for Work and Pensions staff

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 406 2017-19 (as introduced)

BillCommons

9 Jul 2019

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill | TrackPolitics