Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill

Key Points

• Prohibits sanctions on Universal Credit claimants for refusing zero-hours contracts.
• Amends the Welfare Reform Act 2012 to implement this protection.
• Recognises the instability of zero-hours work and safeguards claimants from punitive penalties.
• Currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons (originating in the Commons); first Reading completed in December 2023.
• If progressed, the bill would move through standard stages of consideration in Parliament (Committee, Report, Third Reading) before moving to the Lords.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons. The next steps would typically be Committee stage, then Report and Third Readings before moving to the Lords.