6 July 2017
Continued single market membership during the transition between the UK leaving the EU and the final deal is the best way to protect jobs and workers’ rights, the TUC said this evening (Thursday).
The comments were made in response to a speech by CBI head Carolyn Fairbairn, which argued that a bridge is needed from the end of the Article 50 period in March 2019 until a final deal is in force to provide continuity for businesses.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:
“It’s crucial that we get the transition right as we leave the EU. So we need a transitional arrangement that will keep jobs and rights at work safe until a final deal is in place that will protect them for the long term. The common sense approach is to keep as much continuity as possible.
“A no-deal Brexit in 2019 would be devastating for jobs, and it would leave hard-won workers’ rights in danger of being watered down. An arrangement that keeps the UK in the single market for the period of the transition will keep workers’ rights safe. And it will protect jobs by keeping British exports free from tariffs and bureaucratic barriers.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- All TUC press releases can be found at tuc.org.uk/media
- TUC Press Office on Twitter: @tucnews
Issued: 6 July, 2017