Workers 'Could Lose Rights' In Wake Of Brexit, Labour MP Warns

Workers could lose many of their employment rights in the wake of Brexit unless the Government passes new laws to protect them, a senior Labour MP has warned.

Prominent backers of leaving the European Union rubbished claims during the campaign that leaving the bloc could result in the loss of workers' rights.

But former shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna has commissioned research by the House of Commons library highlighting the EU laws that enshrine employment rights.

Mr Umunna, chairman of Vote Leave Watch - which scrutinises claims made by Brexit campaigners - has written to the Prime Minister, warning her that a failure to protect these rights would amount to "a betrayal of British workers".

He is calling on Theresa May to confirm the Government will make sure all employment rights currently dependent on EU law remain in place by passing new legislation if required.

Mr Umunna also wants a full audit of all instances where decisions by the European Court of Justice have delivered rights for British workers, and a commitment to ensure these judgments are kept post-Brexit.

Finally, he wants Mrs May to make clear Britain's full support for the Equality Act 2010.

He told Sky News the PM's oft-repeated mantra that "Brexit means Brexit" is a "completely meaningless phrase" that "doesn't tell you anything about what life will really be like once we leave".

Mr Umunna added: "They (the House of Commons library) have told me there is a whole swathe of your rights at work, employment law, that will fall away.

"For example, your right to annual paid leave is one of the rights that will fall away.

"Your right to daily rest of at least 11 hours so you're not working 24 hours a day, that type of thing could fall away.

"Your right to not be dismissed if your employer is bought by another company.

"Those are the kinds of rights we're talking about.

"The government must not allow people to be left in the lurch."

A Downing Street spokesman said: "Britain voted decisively to leave the EU - and this Government will deliver the people's verdict. In every step we will work to ensure the best possible outcome for the British people.

"We don't need to be part of the EU to have strong protections for workers' rights (Other OTC: UBGXF - news) ."