An estimated 52,000 people in the North East are working on zero-hours contracts, it was revealed yesterday.
For some, these contracts are good as they enable businesses to cut staff costs and compete better in their respective marketplace. For others, the uncertainty, insecurity and inequality of pay those employed on such deals have to contend with make them an unnecessary evil in modern society.
Whatever your view, it is undoubtedly difficult not to feel particular unease that zero-hours workers do not have the same employment protections as those afforded to permanent staff.
In an age when so much of our lives is regulated by national government and European Union rules, is it not too much to ask that everyone is treated the same when it comes to being an employee?
