Next government must guarantee that UK will not fall behind EU on workers’ rights, says TUC

25 April 2017

Commenting on the speech today (Tuesday) by shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer, which includes a commitment not to leave the UK lagging behind the EU for workplace protections, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Lots of working people are having a hard time, and need better protections at work. Gig economy workers need stronger rights. Parents need more flexibility to juggle work and childcare. So we don’t want hardworking Brits to miss out when EU workers are given a better deal.

“The next government must guarantee that there will continue to be a level playing field after Brexit. When EU rights improve, so must UK rights. Otherwise UK workers will fall behind and become the second-class citizens of Europe.

“Commons standards to protect workers, the environment and consumers must be at the heart of our negotiations with the EU.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
- All TUC press releases can be found at tuc.org.uk/media
- TUC Press Office on Twitter: @tucnews