09/02/2015

Study Commissioned Into Zero-Hours Contracts

A new study into the prevalence and impact of zero hours contracts in Ireland has been commission by the government.

The University of Limerick has been selected to carry out the research and will report back in six month with its findings and any recommendations for policy change.

Led by Professor Patrick Gunnigle and Dr. Michelle O’Sullivan, the team from the Department of Personnel and Employment Relations in the Kemmy School of Business will examine existing data relating to zero and low hour contracts.

The research will also involve meeting and speaking to worker representatives and employers in areas of the economy associated with low hour contracts.

Minister for Business and Employment Ged Nash said: "The Statement of Priorities agreed by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste last July included a commitment to carry out a study into zero hours contracts. I am very pleased to be delivering on this commitment, but we are going further and examining low hour contracts of 8 hours or less.

"This is very much in keeping with my dignity of work agenda. The recovery that the country is beginning to enjoy must also be felt by our citizens and as we focus our minds on returning the country to full employment by 2018, it is my role to ensure that the jobs we are helping to create are decent jobs with decent pay."

(IT/CD)

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