A bill will be brought before the Dáil today to provide protection for people on zero and low hours contracts.

It is after the Dunnes Stores dispute last year, which saw workers down tools in strike over their pay and conditions.

Concerns are being raised that workers are being exploited by employers who want more flexibility.

Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane said: “We have seen far too many instances of exploitation in the workplace especially from some of the big multiples in the retail sector.

“It has caused a huge sore among working class people and among those who are stuck on these lower contracts.

“It isn’t fair, we are for flexibility, many workers want flexibility, but not at the price of being exploited.”