Action at Hovis over zero hours contracts

Hovis staff started the first of a planned series of strikes on 28 August over the introduction of agency workers on zero hours contracts. The action is at the Wigan bakery, one of 10 Hovis sites in the UK. Hovis is part of the Premier Foods group. The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) is campaigning against the introduction of agency staff on zero hour contracts that do not specify set working hours and give limited guarantees on conditions. BFAWU said agency workers were brought in almost immediately after about 30 permanent staff were made redundant in April. The union fears that Premier Foods plans to use agency workers to take on work that is likely to fall to the Wigan bakery after the closure of Hovis bakeries in Birmingham and London. The Work Foundation has criticised a review of the controversial employment terms ordered by business secretary Vince Cable. Ian Brinkley, director of the thinktank, said: 'The investigation announced by Vince Cable is inadequate. A fuller investigation would enable accurate analysis and such data would help devise effective policy measures and map out best employment practice to protect workers most vulnerable to potential abuse.'

BFAWU news release and earlier release.

The Work Foundation news release.

The Guardian and related commentary.

Food Manufacture.