Insecure Work: Manchester and the Future of Zero Hours Contracts

Hosted by the University of Manchester’s student-run think tank this event focuses on insecure work and the local initiatives in place to better protect workers. This event will include a talk on Manchester specific policies and initiatives - comparing regional employment rights and protections to national level efforts. This will be followed by a participatory discussion where our team of researchers will circulate tailored made resources on workplace support and signposting to local union and community group services. Our support packs focus on those in casual work but also include signposting to services for a variety of public services and public facing employees including those who work in the NHS and in retail. A wider discussion will also be fostered in the session on involvement in local and regional policy research.

Why Attend?

• Discover how Manchester’s local policies and initiatives support insecure and casual workers.
• Learn about workplace rights and protections, with practical resources and signposting to unions and community groups.
• Join an interactive discussion and receive tailored support packs for various public-facing roles, including NHS and retail.
• Connect with researchers and explore ways to get involved in local policy and advocacy.

Who Should Attend?

• Anyone in insecure, casual, or zero-hours work.
• Public-facing employees (NHS, retail, hospitality, etc.).
• Parents, young adults, and those entering the workforce.
• Marginalised or underrepresented groups affected by insecure work.
• Anyone interested in workplace rights, local policy, or community action.

Planning your visit:

TRAVEL: The location of Friends Meeting House and information about its rooms can be found here.

ACCESSIBILITY: If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us by emailing olivia.shaw-3@student.manchester.ac.uk.

IMAGES: Photographs may be taken during this event for use on social media and website content. If you prefer not to be included in any photographs, please inform the event lead on the day.

This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025 and was made possible thanks to funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).