Theresa May’s workers’ rights vow trashed in new bid to win Labour Brexit support
The PM offered them a say on matching EU legislation on employee benefits amid fears UK could fall behind the Continent
A SECOND desperate attempt by Theresa May to win Labour backing on Brexit backfired as MPs rubbished a workers' rights vow.
The PM promised that Parliament and unions would have a say on matching every new piece of EU legislation on employee benefits – amid concerns the UK could fall behind the Continent.
But she said Britain would not “automatically” accept EU changes.
And there was no mention of matching the EU environmental protection in the Government’s plans despite it being a key demand of Labour MPs in negotiations with No.10 in recent weeks.
Sources claimed that Business Secretary Greg Clark had told Labour MPs on Monday that the environment would be mentioned.
Labour’s Lisa Nandy said: “I only have to presume this Government hasn’t got an idea what they’re doing.”
The botched launch came just two days after a £1.6 billion ‘Stronger Towns’ fund designed to plough money into Labour heartlands to win votes for the PM’s Brexit deal was slammed by Labour backbenchers.
They said the fund was far smaller than expected – and didn’t make up for years of council cuts.
'MADE A MOCKERY'
The workers right package has been thrashed out with union leaders such as Unite chief ‘Red’ Len McCluskey and Labour MPs over a series of meetings.
Under the package, the Government last night said it would not reduce the standards of EU workers’ rights already in UK law.
And it vowed new legislation changing the laws will be assessed by Parliament – with business and unions having a key say.
The Government also vowed to set up a single labour market enforcement body to take over the enforcement work of the HMRC, Gangmasters Authority and Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate.
A spokesman insisted Environmental Protection would be covered by the upcoming Agriculture Bill – which aims to transfer EU law into UK law before Brexit.
But TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady last night said the package “made a mockery” of the PM’s claim that Britain is leading the way on workers’ rights.
Sources claimed TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady spent yesterday afternoon ringing around Labour ‘Leave’ MPs begging them to vote against the PM’s deal.
In a statement she said: “These are flimsy procedural tweaks. They come nowhere close to ensuring existing rights are protected.
This is utterly unacceptable and workers and trade unions will not be fooled
Rebecca Long Bailey, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary
“And they won’t stop workers’ rights in the UK falling behind those in the rest of Europe.”
Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long Bailey said: “The government is admitting that British workers could see their rights fall behind those of colleagues in Europe.
“This is utterly unacceptable and workers and trade unions will not be fooled.”
In a statement Mr Clark said: “While the EU sets minimum requirements in many areas of workers’ rights, time and again the UK has led the way and chosen to exceed them.
“We are determined to maintain this record of leadership outside the EU.”
Last night Unite chief Len McCluskey slammed the Government for “not listening to any of the concerns expressed by trade unions”.
“Workers needed assurances but unfortunately all that is on offer is reheated leftover announcements.
“The fact remains that workers in the UK have among the poorest protections in Europe, thanks to opt outs by successive Westminster governments.
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“This announcement changes that woeful situation not one jot.”
Rachel Reeves, the LAbour chair of teh cross party Business Select Committee added the promise of a single labour market enforcement body came a year ago.
She said: “The Government needs to stop making empty promises to shore up support for Brexit and instead come forward with the laws needed to ensure workers have the protections and rights they deserve.”
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