BLACK workers are more than 50 per cent more likely to be employed on exploitative zero-hour contracts than white workers, new TUC analysis reveals.

The union body published the research showing how black workers are bearing the brunt of insecure work today as delegates gather for TUC black workers’ conference.

The analysis also found that nearly four in 10 BME (black and minority ethnic) workers are also at risk of unfair dismissal, due to having been with their employer for less than two years.

Black workers are also overrepresented in four of the five occupations with the highest number of workers on zero-hours contracts.  

This is most stark in social care, where one in 15 is employed, compared to one in 50 white workers. 

Black workers are also overrepresented in other low-paid, insecure sectors of work — including retail, catering and waitressing. 

The TUC has consistently warned that zero-hours contracts give employers complete control over workers’ hours, and consequently pay.   

The union federation argues that this makes it hard for workers to plan their lives, budget and look after their children.

Many are also stopped from challenging unacceptable behaviour by bosses due to the fear of being penalised by not being allocated hours in future.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Employment Rights Bill can play a key role in tackling structural racism in our labour market and making the world of work better for all. 

“Common-sense reforms — like banning exploitative working practices like zero-hours contracts and day-one protection from unfair dismissal — will help prevent people being treated like disposable labour.

“Everyone deserves security at work. BME workers are being disproportionately hit by precarious employment and are much more likely to be on insecure terms and conditions.”

Stand up to Racism co-Convener Sabby Dhalu said: “The fact that black workers are over 50 per cent more likely to be employed on exploitative zero-hours contracts than white workers is a serious indictment of the scale of structural racism in Britain.

“We agree with the TUC, that the Employment Rights Bill ban on zero-hours contracts will help to address this.

“We also think that the government must take action to eradicate institutional racism by implementing the many recommendations of previous reports and inquiries.”

Labour’s flagship workers’ right Bill is set to ban “exploitative” zero hours contracts by introducing a right to notice of shifts and compensation for shifts cancelled at short notice.  

It also includes protections against unfair dismissal from day-one of employment as well as the introduction of day-one sick pay for the lowest paid workers.

The Bill is also due to introduce fair pay agreements in social care — a sector where black workers are over-represented — and mandatory reporting for ethnicity pay gaps, which the TUC said is a significant step towards achieving pay parity.  

Work Foundation think tank director Ben Harrison said: “Strengthening employment rights and addressing levels of insecure work in the UK will be critical in addressing structural inequalities in the UK.

“Work Foundation analysis has highlighted that workers from ethnic minority backgrounds more likely to be in a severely insecure job, lacking access to key protections, and being more likely to be in low pay.

“This is particularly evident for Pakistani or black British people, with nearly one in three workers being stuck in severely insecure work.

“Our economy cannot afford a system that traps people in precarious jobs and limits their career progression.

“In the coming months, it is vital that the government delivers on its ambition for the Employment Rights Bill and outlines how it will tackle the ethnic minority pay gap through the draft Equality Bill.”

The Employment Rights Bill has passed its third reading in the Commons. It is currently at the committee stage in the Lords.