The government report into zero hours contracts has found no ’widespread’ systematic abuse of workers on zero hours contracts.

A report was ordered by Chief Minister Howard Quayle in October 2018 and the panel was chaired by Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford.

The panel heard evidence from Tynwald members, unions, as well as private and public sector employers who were invited to contribute to its report.

In its summary, the report states: ’Whilst there was no evidence of widespread systematic abuse of zero hours contracts, numerous concerns were raised by respondents to our surveys about the operation of zero hours contracts in practice.’

The government itself hires many staff on zero hour contracts, which the report explained is due to ’operational advantages’.

These included the difficulty in ’ensuring continuity of service to the public without them’.

Government’s zero hour staff range from bus drivers to exam invigilators and train staff to sport coaches.

However the survey results and testimony from witnesses shows that workers on zero hour contracts may be unaware of their rights and the government is planning changes to laws.

A full review of the report will be in this week’s Manx Independent on Thursday.