What are the reasons behind offering workers 4 weeks' notice for shifts?

For many families, rent and other large outgoings are due monthly. Household bills such as utilities are also often cheaper when paid on a monthly rather than pay-as-you-go basis.  

By sharing shift rotas 4 weeks in advance, employers can ensure workers know the amount of work they will be doing and therefore, what they can expect to take home in pay; helping them budget for the month ahead. Workers can also plan their lives outside work and enjoy a better work-life balance.  

Our research also shows that when workers know their shifts in advance, they are less likely to overwork, in the hope of making up for the shortfalls during ‘leaner’ weeks.  

Last minute shift changes also impact healthy family life and make it difficult to plan childcare arrangements.  

Under Living Hours, workers would receive full payment of their wage if a shift is cancelled within this 4 week period.