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TUC leader Frances O’Grady warns MPs against May’s Brexit deal

THE TUC has written to MPs urging them to reject Theresa May’s deal on leaving the European Union (EU).

The letter from general secretary Frances O’Grady says that many rights protecting working people are guaranteed in EU law.

She added that under Ms May’s deal some could be under threat, such as paid holidays, rights for part-time workers, time off for working mums and dads and equal pay for women.

Ms O’Grady wrote: “Theresa May promised to protect these rights after Brexit, and she’s insisted that her deal would protect and enhance rights at work. But I want to be clear that it doesn’t even come close.

“This deal will threaten UK workers’ rights – both during the transition period and afterwards.

“Under the proposals, new EU rights that come into force after the transition won’t apply to UK workers.

“And after the transition, there is nothing to stop UK workers’ rights falling far behind the rest of Europe.

“This deal even means that a future government could rip up the rights we have now.

“This is a bad deal for working people: bad for jobs and bad for rights. That is why trade unions can’t support it – and we don’t think you should either.”

Workers’ rights in EU law are minimum rights. Member states can introduce their own laws above the EU minimums.

In many cases rights under British law – such as minimum maternity leave – far exceed the EU minimums, having been won by unions and enacted by previous Labour governments.

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