Labour leader Ed Miliband’s pledge to end the “worst abuses” of zero-hours contracts if elected was welcomed by workers yesterday. 

Mr Miliband said he has accepted recommendations of a new review into the “epidemic” carried out by former Morrisons human resources chief Norman Pickavance.

And he revealed Labour’s manifesto will include new legal rights to safeguard workers. 

They would stop bosses putting workers on call 24 hours a day and barring them from taking other jobs, he said. 

Anyone working regular hours for six months would have the right to ask for a fixed-hours contract and it would be automatic after a year unless the individual opted out.

Compensation for shifts cancelled at late notice and a new code of practice were also among the proposals.

“Zero-hours contracts have spread like an epidemic across our economy,” the Labour Leader told a crowd in Motherwell yesterday after a full shadow cabinet meeting in Glasgow.

“Sometimes they can provide short-term flexibility for employers and employees alike.

“But we know most employers don’t use them and for good reasons: the widespread use of zero-hours contracts is incompatible with building a loyal, skilled and productive workforce.”

GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said Labour’s plans fall short but “are a starting block to get proposals that are fit for purpose.”

He said: “Those at the top getting more than their fair share is the major reason for the growth in precarious forms of jobs like zero hours, bogus self-employment, agency and temporary work, very short hours, part time jobs, flexible and casual employment.”

A Unite spokesman said: “It is good that Ed recognises the misery that zero-hours contracts bring to working people.

“People need a stable income on which they can build their lives, if we are to make any progress on reversing the shocking inequality gripping this country.”

Mr Miliband also used his speech to appeal for Scottish people to vote against independence in September. 

He promised Scots that Britain was just one year away from a Labour government that will “take up the cudgel of social justice.”