Minister defends zero hour contracts ban after warnings of costs to employers

Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith has defended plans to ban zero hour contracts, after Government analysis suggested it could cost businesses up to £3 billion a year (Jacob King/PA) - (PA Wire)

A minister has defended plans to ban zero hours contracts, after Government analysis suggested it could cost businesses up to £3 billion a year.

Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said the Government’s proposed ban on zero hours contracts would ensure workers are “fairly paid” and secure in their jobs, after the warning was published on Wednesday.