On January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom completed its exit from the European Union after a long and complex negotiation process. Following Brexit, the UK has been busy trying to disentangle itself from many EU regulations and laws in order to take control of its own affairs. One of the first pieces of legislation introduced to achieve this was the Retained EU Law Bill. The bill seeks to end EU-based legislation that still remains in UK law post-Brexit. However, trade unions, employers, and occupational health and safety bodies have raised concerns that the bill will strip key workplace safety protections.
The Importance of Workplace Safety Protections for Employees
Workplace safety protections are critical to ensuring that employees have a safe and secure environment in which to work. This includes measures to mitigate the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace. The UK has a duty to ensure that workers have the necessary safeguards in place to protect their health and wellbeing. However, there are concerns that the Retained EU Law Bill could put this at risk.
Unions, employers, and occupational health and safety bodies have raised concerns about the potential impact of the bill
Unions, employers, and occupational health and safety bodies have come together to raise concerns about the potential impact of the Retained EU Law Bill on workplace safety protections. In a letter to the UK government, they expressed concern about key employment rights and whether the bill would protect workers’ safety legislation.
The Retained EU Law Bill was introduced in 2022 by Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The bill aims to remove EU-based legislation that remains in UK law after Brexit. The government has argued that this will give the UK the freedom to chart its own course and make its own decisions.
There is uncertainty around worker safety protections
One of the key concerns raised by unions, employers, and occupational health and safety bodies is that it is unclear whether the Retained EU Law Bill will protect workers’ safety legislation. Some of the specific regulations mentioned include The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Without these regulations, employees’ safety could be compromised.
Potential consequences of the Retained EU Law Bill
Ruth Wilkinson, the head of policy at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), warns that the Retained EU Law Bill could lead to reduced worker protections. Wilkinson suggests that the employment and health and safety regulations be withdrawn from the bill in its current form to mitigate the risks. Patrick Brodie, the head of the employment, engagement, and equality practice at the international law firm RPC, notes that removing EU-derived laws could make employees feel insecure in their workplace.
Trade unions, employers, and occupational health and safety bodies are calling for the removal of employment and health and safety regulations from the Retained EU Law Bill in its current form. This would help to ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised.
Deadline for the completion of revocation and reform of retained EU law
The deadline for completion of the revocation and reform of retained EU law is set for 31st December 2023. This means that there is still time for the government to take action to address these concerns and ensure that workers’ safety protections are maintained.
The Retained EU Law Bill has raised concerns among trade unions, employers, and occupational health and safety bodies who fear that it could undermine key workplace safety protections. As matters stand, there is significant uncertainty about what impact the provisions of the bill may have. However, it is clear that the government must take action to ensure that workers’ safety is not compromised. Continued monitoring and advocacy by unions and other groups will be crucial to ensuring that this issue remains on the agenda and that workers’ safety interests are protected.
