ZERO hour contracts would effectively be outlawed under a bid to change the law by SNP MP Chris Stephens.

Workers employed by contractors would also be offered extra protection under the proposals.

Stephens is to introduce a bill in the Commons in the new year aimed at boosting employment rights in the hospitality industry.

The package is particularly aimed at young workers, as well as those employed in the "so-called gig economy".

Under the bill a worker could only be employed on zero hour terms where there was a specific agreement with their trade union.

Stephens said the plan would effectively "eliminate" the use of such contracts which let firms hire staff with no obligation to guarantee a minimum number of hours.

Employers would also become legally responsible, under the bill, to ensure a worker is paid if their subcontractor goes bust or absconds.

Stephens is campaigning with the Institute of Employment Rights and trade unions to promote the legislation.

He said it was also a challenge to a report for the UK Government by former aide to Tony Blair, Matthew Taylor, which recommended that workers for firms such as Uber and Deliveroo should be classified as dependent contractors, with extra benefits.

Stephens claims that proposal did not go far enough and said his bill would ensure that anyone doing paid work is treated as an employee with full rights to holiday pay and other benefits.

He said: "It will energise trade unions, especially young trade unionists organising in sectors where trade union density is low.

"It's a direct response to, and a challenge to, the Taylor report findings and it demonstrates that there is a better way of delivering workplace protection.

"This bill will drive up living standards and pay in sectors of the economy where the minimum wage is dominant."