THOUSANDS of carers who have been on so-called ‘zero hours’, with unpredictable shifts and no fixed wages, are to be offered contracts.

From January, Allied Healthcare, the UK’s largest homecare provider, will be guaranteeing its 15,000 care staff a minimum number of hours.

The company employs many workers across the north west, including Halton, with offices in Warrington, Prescot and Chester.

Chief executive Darryn Gibson said: “Offering our care workers the opportunity of guaranteed weekly pay will make a huge difference to their lives.

”We are raising standards across the sector. Recruiting, training and retaining the right people is key to those receiving care and to our business.

“Part of achieving this has to be our commitment to our care workers, so they in turn have the confidence to commit to a long term career in a caring profession.

“This announcement is the first in a range of changes that we propose to make to ensure that our care workers feel valued in their roles.”

Allied care workers already qualify for holiday and sick pay and many are part of a workplace pension.

A survey has revealed that up to one million employees, including staff at Buckingham Palace, Sports Direct and Wetherspoon are on zero contracts.

Workers on zero hours say not knowing from week to week what money you have coming in to buy food and pay your bills is extremely difficult.

Having your working hours changed at short notice, they say, makes planning, childcare and budgeting very stressful.