The article reports that Labour has acknowledged its planned restrictions on zero-hours contracts could cost businesses up to £2.9 billion annually. The measure is associated with Angela Rayner and forms part of wider employment-rights reforms, prompting concerns from critics that higher costs and reduced flexibility could harm hiring.

The reported estimate focuses on the potential compliance and operational costs for employers, although the supplied text does not set out the underlying calculations or the final policy design. Supporters of tighter rules argue they would provide workers with more predictable hours and greater security, while opponents warn that businesses may respond by reducing jobs or limiting opportunities.