Council Seeks Silver Accreditation with Zero Hours Justice Campaign

Dumfries and Galloway Council is pleased to announce its application to become a Silver Member of the Zero Hours Justice Campaign, which aims to end the practice of zero-hours contracts across UK industries and foster a positive workplace culture.

The campaign is led by a coalition of individuals, representatives from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and employers and aims to deliver a sustained campaign to highlight the risks of a unilateral imposition of zero-hours contracts and how this can impact workers and families in the UK.

At Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources Committee on 30 January, members agreed to the Council’s application for accreditation to become a Silver Member of the Zero Hours Justice Scheme, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to ethical employment contracts and creating positive, sustainable, and regular employment opportunities for individuals.

The Zero Hours Justice Campaign provides free help and support for zero-hours workers who cannot access advice elsewhere. The Accreditation Scheme recognises employers who either do not use zero-hours contracts or implement them more ethically and responsibly.

The Council adheres to the highest standards of employment law, ensuring that our work environments are fair and empowering for all colleagues – over 85% of employment contracts are permanent, with 15% being fixed-term contracts, which illustrates the Council’s commitment to providing meaningful, sustainable, and regular employment for individuals.

The Council prides itself on being an ‘Employer of Choice’ and is committed to advancing the Fair Work First criteria, which includes the principle of not misusing zero-hours contracts. In this regard, the Council commits to the Zero Hours Justice campaign silver accreditation alongside a comprehensive policy framework around casual and supply arrangements.

Applying for silver accreditation with the Zero Hours Justice Campaign reinforces the Council’s position as an ‘Employer of Choice,’ promoting and demonstrating good employment policies and practices.

Councillor Ian Carruthers, Chair of the Economy and Resources Committee, said, “We are proud to support the Zero Hours Justice Campaign. As an employer, our Council firmly believes in providing ethical employment contracts that create sustainable employment opportunities across our region.”

Councillor David Inglis, Vice Chair, said, “Our pursuit of Silver Membership with the Zero Hours Justice Campaign demonstrates our Council’s dedication to advancing Fair Work practices and promoting good employment policies. We believe obtaining this accreditation would further reinforce Dumfries and Galloway Council’s position as an ‘Employer of Choice’ and enable us to attract and retain the best people to work with our Council.”

ENDS