Open Consultation: How Will the “Ending One-Sided Flexibility” Reforms Affect Your Care Service?

Time is ticking for social care providers. The government has launched a consultation on implementing the new employment rights designed to end “one-sided flexibility” on zero-hours and similar contracts.

While these measures were introduced in the Employment Rights Act 2025, they have not yet taken effect. The government is now asking for your input on the specific details before they finalise the regulations.

What are the three key changes?

Under the new plans, eligible employees will gain the right to:

• Guaranteed Hours: A right to a contract that reflects the hours they have regularly worked over a specific reference period.
• Reasonable Notice: A legal right to reasonable notice of their shifts and any changes to those shifts.
• Cancellation Pay: Payment for shifts that are cancelled, curtailed, or moved at short notice.

Why this matters to you:

For the social care sector, which relies heavily on flexible working patterns to cover 24/7 care, these reforms represent a significant operational shift. The consultation is your chance to highlight the practical challenges of implementing these rules in a sector where service user needs can change by the hour.

How to respond:

The government is keen to hear from you. They are strongly encouraging providers to respond via their online platform to assist with their feedback and responses. You can do so by clicking here.

Key Details:

• Topic: Make Work Pay: Reforms of zero hours and similar contracts.
• Consultation Closes: 11:59pm on 25 August 2026.
• How: Respond online via the official consultation platform.

The final regulations will be shaped by the responses received. Take the time to read the consultation document and share your real-world experiences of managing shift work in care.