Workers at UK retailer GAME are reportedly going through redundancies because the agency strikes most of its workforce below zero hour contracts.
As reported by Eurogamer, it is not presently recognized what number of workers will probably be laid off, nevertheless it’s understood that every one non-managerial workers will now be on zero hour contracts going forwards. For many who may not be conversant in the UK scheme, zero hour contracts provide up no assure of labor for the worker, because the employer is just not below any obligation to set a minimal variety of working hours.
Workers below zero hour contracts are sometimes known as upon to work on an advert hoc foundation, however are below no obligation to agree and may also search work elsewhere if desired. Whereas actually a versatile possibility for a lot of people, the zero hour contract has confronted important controversy within the UK over fears of exploitation and extended intervals of no work. Vacation pay and sick depart can be contingent on the variety of hours labored in earlier weeks.
In a manner, it nearly comes as no shock. Home of Fraser, which now owns GAME after an acquisition in 2019, reportedly already utilises zero hour contracts for 90% of its workers in Sports activities Direct (although this may increasingly have modified within the time since this was initially reported). As for these at GAME who could also be going through redundancy, it is understood that affected workers can be contacted by way of a separate e mail or phone name.
Earlier this 12 months, the retailer introduced an finish to its trade-in scheme, whereby clients might carry of their undesirable video games or tech for reductions on new merchandise. It is believed that that is largely as a result of implementation of concession shops inside Sports activities Direct, with solely a choose few standalone GAME shops remaining on the excessive road.