Building secure jobs

A job that’s secure gives workers:

contracts with clearly defined hours and working patterns
guaranteed hours – no zero-hour contracts
pay that is at least the real Living Wage
flexible working arrangements – for example, to manage other commitments, caring responsibilities or health conditions
liveable sick pay and pension arrangements

Get more information on zero hour contracts on GOV.UK.

Check if you're paying the real Living Wage on the Living Wage Foundation website.

Find out more about introducing flexible working.

How job security can benefit your organisation

By making jobs in your organisation more secure, you can:

increase staff retention
reduce turnover costs
lower absences
attract new talent
create a more motivated and productive workforce
promote a culture of commitment and willingness to adapt among workers

Example

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home have used Fair Work principles to commit to the real Living Wage.

“Although the decision to commit to the real Living Wage costs the business money, it’s enabled us to keep high performing staff members and this has saved us in recruitment and induction costs.” – Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

Introducing better job security

Secure jobs are important to new and existing workers. They:

allow workers to afford their living costs
create more inclusive workplaces – for example, by meeting the needs of parents and carers
give financial security during sickness and after retirement
promote a healthy work-life balance and improve mental health