Brexit bust-ups sees EU referendum branded a marriage-wrecker and blamed for family feuds
Decision to leave Europe has prompted thousands of couples to seek counselling after endless rows over Leave or Remain
THE EU referendum has been branded a marriage-wrecker after rows over Brexit triggered a rise in family bust-ups.
Thousands of couples have sought counselling after admitting endless rows over whether to Leave or Remain damaged their relationship.
Relate, the marriage guidance charity, has received a “surprising” number of pleas for help since the Britain voted to quit the EU on June 23.
Its experts are busy targeting warring couples struggling to Remain together as arguments over the result cause “deep and long-lasting rifts”.
Elaine Taylor, from Relate’s Cambridge office, said: “There has been a lot of talk about the impact of Brexit on relationships, but in couples and in familys.
“It is always tricky to keep things on an even keel emotionally, particularly when life feels uncertain with lots of change, or when a couple or family members feel strongly and have different view.
“This can certainly cause deep and long-lasting rifts, especially if these kinds of debates are not managed well.
“Of course, there may be even more impact when there are already existing challenges for that family or relationship, and then this disagreement can simply feel like the last straw.”
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Brexit has also caused bitter feuds in the workplace - with bosses at risk of legal action from staff who feel they are being harassed by colleagues.
Experts are advising four London companies whose pro-Brexit staff have complained about being sent to Coventry as a result of angry social media posts and office discussions.
In one case, the consultancy firm PwC is advising a firm conduct an investigation ahead of industrial peacemakers Acas being called in.
Workers can bring legal claims against bosses under the Equality Act if they feel they are being harassed as a result of their “philosophical beliefs”.
Ed Stacey, head of the employment team at PwC Legal, said: “Since Brexit, we have been in a state where feelings are running high.
“Employees have felt differently from how they may do during a general election because there has been so much intervention from employers.
“Very rarely would you ever see employers campaigning on which way to vote.”