A BLACKBURN employment lawyer has given a cautious welcome to Ed Milliband’s announcement that Labour would introduce legislation to limit so-called ‘zero hour’ contracts.

Oliver McCann, partner in the employment team at law firm Napthens, has urged caution over the changes, warning it will still be possible to circumvent the proposed new rules.

He said: “In my experience, zero hour contracts have usually been used where it is mutually beneficial for both parties, offering corresponding flexibility for employer and staff member.

“I have not come across a situation where they were being used to exploit a member of staff, and it’s important to remember that if an individual does work for the same employer in a regular pattern of employment, corresponding rights against unfair dismissal are likely to exist in any event.”

He added: “For many people, zero hour contracts are genuinely a better way to work.”