Brexit update: Government announces Workers' Rights Protections
Brexit update: Government announces Workers' Rights Protections
Posted on 11 Mar 2019
The government has confirmed that workers' rights will be protected in law after the UK exits the European Union.
The publication of draft clauses for inclusion in the Withdrawal Agreement and implementation bill ensures that parliament is given a vote on any changes to worker's rights legislation as a result of Brexit.
The Prime Minister has confirmed that parliament will have a say in whether the UK will stay aligned with EU standards on workers' rights or introduce new protections.
Under the new proposals, the government is considering the introduction of a single labour market enforcement body to regulate workers' rights in areas such as the National Minimum Wage, holiday payments and reports of exploitation, currently enforced by HMRC.
MPs are due to vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal by the 12th of March. If the government loses this vote, Theresa May will table a motion for a vote on leaving the EU without a deal by the 13th of March. If MPs vote to reject no deal, there will be a vote on extending Article 50 on the 14th of March.
Under the current legislation, the UK is due to leave the European Union on the 29th of March.