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

2 November 2023

In Plain English

AI-generated

The bill would stop Universal Credit claimants from being sanctioned if they refuse a job that is offered on a zero hours contract. It amends the Welfare Reform Act 2012 to ensure penalties cannot be applied simply for turning down such contracts. In effect, it shields claimants from sanctions when dealing with flexible, no-guarantee hours work.

Key Points

The Welfare Reform Act 2012 would be amended to bar sanctions for Universal Credit claimants who refuse zero hours work.
The protection applies specifically to refusals of zero hours contracts, rather than other types of job offers.
The change would mean that turning down a zero hours contract cannot trigger sanctions under Universal Credit, while other sanctions rules remain unaffected.
The bill is currently at the first reading in the House of Commons; if it advances, it would proceed to further stages such as second reading and committee.

Progress

Currently at the first reading in the Commons; introduced but not yet debated in depth.

Who is affected?

Universal Credit claimantsPeople seeking work on Universal Credit who may be offered zero hours contractsEmployers offering zero hours contractsJobcentre Plus staff and welfare advisers who administer sanctions

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill

23 Mar 2023

The 2022-2023 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill | TrackPolitics