[IER] Govt launches second review into curbing power of citizens to hold it to account

Fri Dec 11 17:14:55 GMT 2020

News brief - 11/12/20                                                                              <https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?e=__test_email__&u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=1a19f78c43> View this email in your browser 

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Govt launches second review into curbing power of citizens to hold it to account 

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On Monday (07 December), the government  <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/govt-criticised-for-attacking-human-rights-during-pandemic/> launched a review into the Human Rights Act (HRA), which will run concurrently with a separate  <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/lawyer-in-favour-of-curbing-court-powers-appointed-as-head-of-judicial-review-reform-commission/> review into the rights of UK citizens to hold it to account through Judicial Review.

Ministers have asked a review panel headed by former judge, Sir Peter Gross, to consider whether there is a "case for change" around the way in which case law from the European Court of Human Rights is applied in the UK, the way in which the HRA applies to actions taken by the British State outside of its own borders, and the ability of courts to rule government policy unlawful.

In its 2019 Manifesto, the Conservative Party vowed to reform the Human Rights Act in order to exclude Irish families from the right to take cases against the British Army over killings during The Troubles. At the time, former Attorney General, Dominic Grieve, warned that to do so would be in contravention of the European Convention on Human Rights and would force the UK to withdraw from that treaty. Despite this, the government insisted on Monday that it remain "committed" to the EHRC.

Lawyers and human rights organisations have questioned that commitment, with Amnesty UK and Liberty both warning that this latest review looks like a power-grab by a government that does not like to be limited to acting within the law.

Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy, said to begin the review in the middle of a pandemic is "bonkers" and shows that the government is "prioritising launching an attack on human rights". 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/govt-criticised-for-attacking-human-rights-during-pandemic/> Read full report 

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WATCH: Enforcing International Standards and Trade Deals

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Earlier this week, we held a popular online seminar with four experts in international trade to discuss how workers' rights are being threatened by international trade deals, how they could be protected, and how they could even be strengthened. 

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Govt criticised for ‘attacking’ human rights during pandemic

A new review into the Human Rights Act has been launched to consider how it may be reformed, prompting fears of dilution. 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/govt-criticised-for-attacking-human-rights-during-pandemic/> Read full report 

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UK pressuring EU to let it undercut workers’ rights, EU unions warn

Trade union officials understand that the EU has dropped its insistence on a dynamic clause around workers' rights in order to try and secure a deal. 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/uk-pressuring-eu-to-let-it-undercut-workers-rights-eu-unions-warn/> Read full report 

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Raise sick pay to prevent spread of virus, report recommends

The Resolution Foundation suggests extending the Job Retention Scheme to those forced to self-isolate 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/raise-sick-pay-to-prevent-spread-of-virus-report-recommends/> Read full report 

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TUC anti-racism chief reports “hostile environment” in UK’s workplaces

New research has found over one in three BAME workers has been forced to self-isolate during the pandemic. 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/tuc-anti-racism-chief-reports-hostile-environment-in-uks-workplaces/> Read full report 

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Govt staff to strike over Covid ‘failings’

PCS says workers are being forced to physically attend work unnecessarily. 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/govt-staff-to-strike-over-covid-failings/> Read full report 

NEW RESOURCES

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WATCH: Employment Law Update 2020 (Part 1)

Our expert panel discusses fire and rehire, redundancy and health and safety in a time of Covid-19.

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/product/watch-employment-law-update-2020-part-1/> Access the footage 

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WATCH: Employment Law Update 2020 (Part 2)

Our expert panel of lawyers from Old Square Chambers and Morrish solicitors give an update on discrimination, unfair dismissal, employment status and surveillance.

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/product/watch-employment-law-update-2020-part-2-2/> Access the footage 

IER and Covid-19

Due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus disease and the need to keep our staff, supporters and speakers safe, IER have decided to postpone all forthcoming IER events and meetings until further notice, including both Health and safety at work after Brexit conferences in Liverpool and London, the IER Executive Committee, IER AGM and our joint event with the Campaign for Trade Union Freedom on 6th June.

IER staff will continue to work, but remotely from home. We will answer emails, produce publications and circulate our weekly News Briefs and other on-line information. However, phone calls to the office or mail sent by post will not receive immediate attention.

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