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

6 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would stop Universal Credit sanctions for claimants who refuse a zero-hours contract. It amends the Welfare Reform Act 2012 to make clear that turning down such flexible, uncertain hours cannot lead to a sanction against a Universal Credit claimant.

Key Points

It amends the Welfare Reform Act 2012 to ensure Universal Credit claimants cannot be sanctioned for refusing zero-hours work.
It targets sanctions tied to refusals of zero-hours contracts, protecting claimants from penalties in this scenario.
It changes how jobcentre staff apply sanctions in cases involving zero-hours offers, potentially reducing sanctions in these situations.
It clarifies how zero-hours contracts are treated within Universal Credit policies, aligning practice with protecting flexible work arrangements.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it advances, it would move to committee stage and then further readings in the Commons, before going to the Lords.

Who is affected?

Universal Credit claimantsPeople who would otherwise be sanctioned for refusing zero-hours workJobseekers on Universal CreditJobcentre staff and advisersWelfare claimant organisations and charities that represent claimants

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.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill | TrackPolitics