We are announcing new measures that will protect and improve workers’ rights as we leave the EU, building on our changes last year which saw the largest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.
Key facts: Parliament, trade unions and businesses will be given a new and enhanced role in shaping the future of workers’ rights after Brexit.
- We have committed not to reduce the standards of workers’ rights and will ensure that any new legislation changing those laws will be assessed as to whether they uphold this commitment.
- Parliament will be given the right, through the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, to consider any future changes in EU law that strengthen workers’ rights and vote on whether they too should be adopted into UK law.
- We will also make sure Parliament will be given regular updates on changes to EU law in this area and will give MPs a choice on the action Government will take in response. In preparing those updates, trade unions, businesses and the relevant select committees of Parliament will be consulted with.
Why this matters: After Brexit it should be for Parliament to decide what rules are most appropriate, rather than automatically accepting EU changes. When it comes to workers’ rights the UK has set world-leading standards and will continue to do so in the future, taking our own decisions while working closely with trade unions and businesses.
