During a Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel hearing yesterday, James Morris, chief executive of the Chamber, and Chamber president Kristina Le Feuvre, agreed that when used ‘responsibly’, the contracts – which do not guarantee set hours of work and do not include sick leave or holiday pay – worked well.
A recent report revealed that one in ten Islanders is employed on a zero-hour contract and the number has increased in sectors such as hospitality, construction and retail, where there are varying hours of trade and seasonal work.
However, unlike their UK counterparts, employers in Jersey can prevent zero-hour workers from working for another employer, which Ms Le Feuvre said was unfair.
The ban on the use of exclusivity clauses in zero-hour contracts came into force in the UK on 26 May this year.
Mr Morris said: ‘I would find it difficult to support exclusivity in zero-hour contracts. I cannot think of a reason why we would not ban exclusivity clauses. They cause the most problems and moral outrage.’
Zero-hour contracts have caused controversy in recent months, but the Jersey Annual Social Survey 2014 revealed that 76 per cent of those who were on such contracts were very or fairly satisfied with them, which Ms Le Feuvre said demonstrated that the contracts do work, as long as they are being used properly. And she said that the Chamber had made a point to educate their members so that they had a greater understanding of zero-hour contracts.
However, she said that Islanders who felt that there was a problem could seek advice from the Jersey Advisory Conciliation Service or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
‘Education is as important as legislation,’ she added.
Sitting on the panel were chairman Deputy Richard Renouf, vice-chairman Deputy Geoff Southern and Deputy Terry McDonald.
