Following the release of the much anticipated Brexit White Paper, the Government has proposed that there will be no significant changes to UK employment laws when the country leaves the European Union (EU) (specified at paragraph 123 of the White Paper).
The Government proposes that the UK and EU commit to avoiding a deterioration of employment law standards and to uphold their obligations that derive from their International Labour Organisation commitments.
UK Employment Laws And Brexit
This means that laws, such as the following, will not be altered:
- Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE)
- Parental leave and pay
- Discrimination legislation
- Holidays and working time
- Collective redundancy consultation
This news appears to have been well received by businesses and professionals specialising in employment law. REC Chief Executive, Neil Carberry, commented: “There is a pragmatism to this White Paper that is welcome, even at this late hour. Government has taken on board many business concerns about the smooth operation of our economy as we leave the EU.”
As we reported back in June 2016, many assumed that once the UK left the EU that certain changes to employment laws would change but this appears to not be the case.
The White Paper also indicates that established EU workers will be afforded the right to remain and work in the UK by applying for ‘settled status’, which means that they can remain in the country indefinitely.
The Government is now hoping that the EU will support their proposals and that the UK can formally leave the EU by the autumn.
How Nelsons Can Help
Nelsons’ Employment Law team can provide expertise and guidance on any workplace queries you may have. For further information, please contact our team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.