Union blasts ‘backwards leap’ danger to workforce
» PMsacrifices workers’ rights & his DUP allies
a fortnight, a minimum rest time between shifts of 11 hours and at least four weeks’ paid annual leave.
Also at risk are at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave and 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave.
The Government insisted it was committed to upholding standards and an official said changes “don’t mark a step up or step down, rather they represent a step to the side”.
He claimed they are based on a typical EU free trade deal, such as Emmanuel Macron those with Canada or Japan. But TUC chief Frances O’Grady said: “This deal would be a disaster. It would hammer the economy, cost jobs and sell workers’ rights down the river.”
Meanwhile, campaigners chasing a second referendum have shelved plans to try to insist on a people’s vote on the deal. Insiders said it was unlikely an amendment to the pact would be tabled tomorrow. BORIS Johnson boasted that he had secured a “great deal” for the UK but a string of concessions reveal that the Government has caved in to EU demands across several key areas.
A major fear voiced by critics is that the agreement will lead to the loss of rights to protect workers. They say it could lead to a “deregulation Brexit” that makes it easier for bosses to exploit employees.
And they worry it will leave Britain open to trade deals with other countries that put us at a disadvantage.
Giant union Unison described it as “a leap backwards” after it failed to match Mrs May’s so-called regression lock promise that rights in the UK would not fall behind the EU’s.
Labour claims the deal makes it easier for a Tory government to cut rights and standards for workers such as holidays, maternity and sick leave and flexible hours.
It voiced its concerns despite the PM’s promises that the Government was “gladly” committing to maintaining high standards.
Assurances on workers’ rights are now only in the political declaration on the future relationship with the EU, which is not legally binding.
Rights enshrined in EU law that may be under threat include hours being limited to an average 48 per week over a fortnight and a minimum rest time between shifts of 11 hours.
Others include at least four weeks of paid annual leave, at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave and 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave as well as protection for agency staff.
Both sides say they are aiming for an “ambitious free-trade agreement” that will uphold “high standards” on the environment post-Brexit.
However these “level-playing field” provisions last only until the end of the transition period in December 2020.
That means future trade deals with other countries, including the US, could push down standards.
Hard Brexiteer Tories will actively pursue deregulation and Trade Secretary Liz Truss is a supporter of ripping up red tape.
There are also concerns the political declaration will lead to a more distant economic relationship with the EU with extra trade barriers and checks.
The biggest changes come in Northern Ireland, as the Government scraps the backstop but concedes a regulatory border in the Irish sea.