Leaving the EU: Workers’ Rights

Chris Williamson Excerpts
Tuesday 29th October 2019

(5 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Williamson Portrait Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Ind)
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If the Secretary of State is serious about making Britain the best place in the world to work, will she commit to scrapping the anti-trade union legislation? The undermining of trade unions over the past 10 years or so has led to an explosion of precarious low-paid employment, which is now endemic throughout the land.

Andrea Leadsom Portrait Andrea Leadsom
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The hon. Gentleman will be aware that, in leaving the European Union with the withdrawal agreement negotiated by the Prime Minister, if the European Union makes any changes to workers’ rights and employment legislation, the Government will have the facility to consult businesses and trade unions, and this House will be able to express its view on whether any changes could or should be considered for implementation in the UK. It is really important that it is this House and the United Kingdom’s courts that should judge and measure whether this or any future Government stick to their commitment to maintain the highest standards of workers’ rights.