Retailers warn zero-hours contract reforms could hit Christmas hiring

Retailers have warned that government plans to guarantee regular working hours for staff on zero-hours and short-hours contracts could make it harder for businesses to recruit part-time workers during peak trading periods.
Under proposals set to come into force next year, employers would be required to offer workers on zero-hours or short-hours contracts a guaranteed minimum number of hours each week, based on their regular working pattern.
The rules, which would also apply to agency workers, f