MIGRANT hospitality workers have likened zero-hours contracts to working conditions during Britain’s Industrial Revolution.

The United Voices of the World (UVW) union said that conditions under the contracts are “very similar” to the long working hours, fines and low wages that were rife in the 1700s. 

A government consultation on how new regulations aimed at ending “exploitative zero-hour contracts” under the Employment Rights Act work in practice closes on August 25.

The changes are due to come into force next year. 

UVW executive committee member Eraldo Strumiello said that as many migrant workers have to renew their visas, “they are at the mercy of their bosses, so they do not refuse to work so many hours.”

The issue “is a serious problem for all workers, reminiscent of the Industrial Revolution, especially in this country,” added the central London restaurant chef.

“Today, apart from child labour, the situation remains very similar for migrant workers.”