GRAHAM Jones, MP for Haslingden and Hyndburn, said he was disappointed the government had not stopped the use of ‘exploitative’ zero-hour employment contracts.

The controversial working arrangement means an employer has no obligation to offer an employee work, but is expected to be ‘on call’ and available when work is offered to them.

A motion was voted on in the House of Commons last Wednesday, addressing four points on the zero-hour contracts, but did not garner enough support to be passed.

The motion sought to prevent employers from insisting zero-hour workers be available to work even when there is none guaranteed, and ban zero-hour contracts which require workers to commit exclusively to one employer.

The paper also proposed ensuring anyone on a zero-hour contract that is in practice working regular hours is entitled to a contract that reflects this, and also introducing a code of practice on the use of zero-hour contracts.

Mr Jones said: “Insecurity at work goes to the heart of the living standards crisis that is affecting communities up and down the country.”