The UK government is facing growing pressure to follow through on its pledge to end exploitative zero-hours contracts, which are employment agreements that offer no guaranteed minimum number of working hours. These contracts are often used in sectors like hospitality and retail, where workers may face unpredictable schedules and earnings. Union leaders are calling on ministers to resist opposition from business groups and fully implement the policy. Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), is set to speak at the TUC Congress in Brighton, where he will argue that the case for banning these insecure working arrangements is strong. Nowak criticized business groups, especially in the hospitality sector, for strongly opposing the government’s plans to stop exploitative practices. He described their arguments as "baseless myths" and said that the real costs—often borne by low-paid workers—are being overlooked in favor of hypothetical concerns about "bad bosses." Nowak emphasized that the proposed reforms are intended to protect workers who face financial instability due to unpredictable hours and income. He argued that responsible employers have nothing to fear from the new regulations, which aim to create a fairer working environment by preventing exploitation. The reforms, he said, would "level the playing field" and ensure that all employers follow the same standards. A government spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment to ending exploitative zero-hours contracts, highlighting the goal of providing workers with more predictable income and working hours. The spokesperson noted that the government has worked closely with both trade unions and businesses to shape the policy, ensuring it is practical and effective. Consultation findings will be used to guide the implementation of the reforms, aiming to balance the needs of workers and employers.