About the Living Hours scheme
What is the Living Hours scheme?
The Living Hours scheme is part of a national campaign to improve job security for workers. Ensuring workers earn the Real Living Wage is essential, but it is just as important that workers have enough hours of work and know when they are.
Too often, people face unpredictable shifts, low weekly hours, or sudden cancellations. This makes it hard to budget, plan childcare, or feel secure. Living Hours is about tackling these issues head-on.
The impact of insecure work
Having a job doesn’t always mean financial security. According to the Living Wage Foundation (external website), around 6.1 million people in the UK are in insecure work — including those with unpredictable hours, zero-hours contracts, or temporary roles.
Many get little notice of their shifts, with 60% called in with less than a week’s notice and 13% with less than 24 hours. One in four have had shifts cancelled without warning, often without pay.
This unpredictability makes life harder. It affects people’s ability to plan their finances, arrange childcare, and manage transport — leading to stress and instability.
The Living Hours standard
The Living Hours Standard was launched by the Living Wage Foundation in 2019. It sets out what secure and fair working hours should look like. This includes:
- A contract that reflects the actual hours someone regularly works
- A guaranteed minimum of 16 hours a week (unless the employee chooses fewer)
- At least 4 weeks’ notice for shifts or changes to working hours
- Proper compensation for cancelled shifts
The Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter (external website) recognises the Living Hours standard as part of its ‘Secure Work’ characteristic. This encourages local employers to adopt more responsible employment practices.
Why it matters
The Low Pay Commission has highlighted a strong overlap between low pay and insecure work. It’s not just about wages — it's also about making sure people have consistent, reliable hours so they can support themselves and their families.
Informed by Greater Manchester Independent Inequalities Commission, we have set a clear ambition: for all employees in our region to be offered Living Hours by the end of the decade. Delivering this is essential for building a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life.