The vast majority of UK workers on zero-hours contracts want regular hours, according to a new TUC (Trades Union Congress) poll.

The survey of zero-hours contract workers found that over 8 in 10 (84%) want regular hours of work, compared to just 1 in 7 (14%) who do not.

The TUC found that many zero-hours workers are struggling financially due to being underemployed. Three-quarters (75%) of those polled say they have had trouble meeting living expenses due to not being offered enough hours. 

This is backed up by other findings from the poll which show that 66% of people employed on zero-hours contracts are seeking extra work. Over half (58%) of zero-hours workers’ requests for more hours are being refused by employers. 

Meanwhile, 52% said they have had shifts cancelled at less than 24 hours’ notice. Two-thirds (66%) of zero-hours contract workers say they received no compensation for cancelled shifts, with just 1 in 20 (5%) fully compensated. Over three-quarters (76%) say they felt they had to work despite feeling unwell.

Further data showed that 50% say they have experienced difficulty managing childcare with their work. And this number rises to two-thirds (67%) for mothers on zero-hours contracts.

Three-quarters (76%) say they have missed out on a planned family or social event due to needing to work.

The poll also shows that mums (35%) and carers (38%) on zero-hours contracts are more likely than those not on these contracts (22% and 20% respectively) to often find it hard to manage care alongside their work.

The majority (80%) of students on zero-hours contracts also reported that they had experienced difficulties managing studying and education alongside their work.  

TUC’s data also found that among the minority of zero-hours contract workers who report working in this way because of their need for flexibility (for care or for study) – 61% – would prefer a contract with guaranteed shifts (compared to less than a quarter, 23% of this group for whom this arrangement would not be preferable).

The TUC says the findings highlight the importance of the government’s forthcoming Employment Rights Bill that will ban the use of zero-hours contracts and other exploitative practices.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said in a press release, “Most people on zero-hours contracts would much rather have the security of guaranteed hours and to be able to plan their lives properly.”