Unions warn of Brexit protection loss

Almost one million workers in firms sold to a new owner could have their pay and conditions cut if the UK leaves the EU, a new report has warned.
TUC General Secretary Frances O'GradyTUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady

The TUC said Brexit would make it easier for employers to impose pay cuts and worse conditions on workers in firms that are sold, or services that are contracted out. Government figures suggest that almost a million workers each year are affected by such transfers, and protected by the EU-derived Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations - known as TUPE.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Lots of employers are itching to persuade politicians to scrap these protections - and if we leave the EU they’d have the chance they’ve been waiting for.”

Mrs O’Grady said catering workers and cleaners were most at risk.

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