Argyll and Bute Council is to offer fixed hour contracts to home care staff currently on zero hour contracts.

In a historical move, those on existing zero hour contracts will be offered a permanent contract for a minimum number of fixed hours based upon an average of their weekly hours over the last year.

A zero hour contract is a contract between an employer and an employee where the employee is not obliged to accept any work offered and the employer is not obliged to provide any minimum working hours.

The Council believes that by offering its home care staff fixed hours it will provide them with stability, although staff are not obliged to take up the offer and many won’t due to their personal circumstances. The Council will be consulting with its employees and trade union colleagues over the coming weeks.

The Council’s Policy Lead for Health and Social Care Integration, Councillor Mary Jean Devon, said: “Whilst some people will prefer zero hour contracts because it gives them flexibility about when they want to work, other people prefer a consistency of hours.

“This is a welcome announcement and will provide our home care staff with the option to choose the right contract for their circumstances. It also shows the Council's commitment to making a career in health and social care an attractive and rewarding option."