Fair Pay and Job Security for Mothers

The latest research by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) exposes deep-seated gender inequalities tied to zero-hour contracts. Not only do these agreements fuel job insecurity, but they also exacerbate the pay gap. Women are 34% more likely than men to be employed on zero-hour contracts, driven by their overrepresentation in sectors such as social care and hospitality where these precarious arrangements prevail.

Addressing Gender Inequality and Zero-Hour Contracts

At the Workers of England Union (WEU), we are steadfast in our commitment to secure job security and gender equality for all members. While recent reforms to zero-hour contracts represent progress, they alone will not deliver true fairness. Women continue to bear the heaviest burden of workplace insecurity, making genuine equality a distant prospect.

In related news, discover how broader contract reforms can benefit all workers in our article on Zero-Hour Contract Reform for Fairer Workplaces.

Systemic Discrimination Against Pregnant and New Mothers

The problem extends beyond zero-hour contracts. New findings from Pregnant Then Screwed estimate that 74,000 women lose their jobs each year simply for becoming pregnant or taking maternity leave—a 37% increase from the 54,000 affected in 2016. This stark trend underscores the persistent systemic discrimination that pushes mothers out of the workforce.

Learn more about protecting maternity rights in our guide to Maternity Rights and Workplace Protection.

WEU’s Ongoing Campaign for Real Equality

“The WEU has long campaigned for reform of zero-hour contracts because they exploit vulnerable workers. Women, who make up a significant portion of zero-hour contract workers, face greater job insecurity as a result. But the fight doesn’t stop there—this is about achieving real workplace equality.”
— Stephen Morris, WEU General Secretary

Reforming zero-hour contracts is only the beginning. The WEU will continue to champion:

• Fair pay for all roles and industries
• Job security that protects families
• True equality for working mothers

For further insights into closing the pay gap, read our analysis on Gender Pay Gap and Why It Matters.