Unpredictable working hours are undermining the financial security of millions of UK workers, with almost two-fifths being given less than a week’s notice of their shift or work patterns.

Research by the Living Wage Foundation found that low-paid full-time workers are hit particularly hard by uncertainty over their working hours, with 55 per cent given less than a week’s notice of their schedule. Of those, 15% get less than 24 hours.

Minority groups and women are disproportionately affected, the foundation said, with 68% of those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds receiving less than a week’s notice of work patterns. Sixty-four percent of those with children experience the same.

Laura Gardiner, the campaign group’s acting chief executive, said unpredictable working hours are widespread in professional life. However, they are “endemic” in sectors dominated by low-paid workers, such as the retail, hospitality and leisure industries.

“Without clear notice of shift patterns provided in good time, millions of workers have had to make impossible choices on childcare, transport and other important aspects of family life,” she said.

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“Low-paid workers have been particularly hard-hit during the pandemic, with millions struggling to plan their lives due to the double whammy of changing restrictions on economic activity and insufficient notice of work schedules from employers.”

In Scotland, 35% of workers are affected by short notice periods, which is among the lowest levels in the UK after the south of England (excluding London) on 34% and the north of England on 33%. London reported the highest proportion with almost half – 48% – getting less than a week’s notice.

Established in 2011, the Living Wage Foundation campaigns for pay at rates that meet the cost of living. The living wage is currently set at £9.50 per hour outside of London, compared to the government’s current minimum wage of £8.91.

To address the issue of insecure work patterns, the foundation is encouraging employers to commit to its new voluntary “Living Hours” scheme.

This includes giving at least four weeks’ notice of shifts, with guaranteed pay if they are cancelled within that notice period. The foundation says its research shows that just 10% of variable hours and shift workers currently receive at least four weeks’ notice.

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Living Hours employers must also commit to providing contracts that accurately reflect the hours worked, and offer a minimum of 16 hours work each week to those who want it.

Five firms have already signed up: Perth-based SSE, insurer Aviva, assurance group Standard Life Aberdeen, document automation specialist Datagraphic, and 1st Alliance Credit Union of Ayrshire.

Lynn Anderson of Living Wage Scotland said: “There are over 1,900 Scottish-based employers that are committed to paying at least the real Living Wage, and it’s fantastic to see SSE and 1st Alliance Credit Union take additional steps to protect their workers from low pay and insecure work by becoming Living Hours accredited.

“The values that led these employers to commit to the real Living Wage are the same values that have led to their expanded commitment to fair work at a time when workers need it the most.”

Government consultations on giving workers a right to reasonable notice of their schedules and more stable contractual working patterns have yet to materialise into any proposed legislation. Last week, Francis Grady of the TUC said the government's failure to bring forward the employment bill promised in 2019 has left insecure workers exposed to heightened health risks during the pandemic.

“Lots of them are key workers we all applauded – like social care workers, delivery drivers and coronavirus testing staff,” she said. “This must be a turning point.”

Meantime, the Living Hours scheme hopes to get the ball rolling. John Stewart, director of human resources at SSE, said it was “right” that companies such as his should guarantee higher standards for workers.

“Like with out Living Wage accreditation, the most important impact of Living Hours is that, in time, it will flow through our supply chain activities and benefit those working regularly on our behalf too,” he said.