MP campaigns for end of 'exploitative' unpaid trial shifts

24 December 2017, 05:59 | Updated: 24 December 2017, 06:00

An MP has ramped up a campaign for an end to unpaid trial shifts, warning that more workers are at risk of being exploited over the festive period.

Stewart McDonald, the SNP member for Glasgow South, said that over the busy holiday weeks some shops bars and restaurants would increasingly turn to unpaid trial shifts to cover staff shortages.

Mr McDonald has put forward a Private Members' Bill to bring to an end the practice of people being asked to work without pay and with no guarantee of a job.

He has written to every MP seeking support for the Bill ahead of the UK's busiest period for shops, restaurants and bars, as well as urging the UK Government to support the move.

Mr McDonald said: "Unpaid trial shifts are common practice across the UK. However, they are exploitative and take unfair advantage of people genuinely seeking work.

"Over the Christmas period, it is -increasingly likely you'll be served in a shop or a restaurant by someone working an unpaid trial shift.

"The private member's Bill I have brought forward has received the support of the STUC, NUS, and the Better than Zero campaign - who are to be commended for the excellent work they have done in documenting and challenging exploitative work practices in different industries.

"It's time this Tory Government and parties across the UK also stepped up to the mark. A fair day's work deserves a fair day's pay."