[IER] Workers' rights 'in the frame for cuts' post-Brexit

Fri Feb 16 17:03:01 GMT 2018

IER News Brief 16/02/18Follow us on Twitter 
news brief
Friday 16th February 2018
A secretive Brexit impact assessment seen by MPs appears to put workers' rights in the frame for cuts after the UK leaves the EU.

Speaking to the Independent, several MPs reported that the document includes a section analysing how amendments to the Working Time Directive could present "maximising regulatory opportunities".

Theresa May has promised not to erode workers' rights during the UK's exit from the EU, but her party has refused to yield to amendments made by the opposition to enshrine workers' rights in primary legislation, which would ensure they cannot be amended without a parliamentary vote. Further, it was reported over the Christmas period that cabinet ministers were pushing for the weakening of the Working Time Directive, and May has refused to say that it will not be diluted. 

MPs told the Independent they were "perplexed" by the inclusion of the workers' rights analysis, considering the promises made by the government to leave them untouched. Although a government spokesperson said it was "categorically untrue" that workers' rights are in for the chop, those who have seen the document said the analysis would not have been made if the weakening of employment law was not under consideration.

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