The Government’s draft plan to repeal European Union laws is a ‘power grab’ that could put workers’ rights in jeopardy, the TUC has warned.

Commenting on the publication of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, which brings EU laws — including workers’ rights and the major safety regulations — into UK law, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “This is a Downing Street power grab. The PM promised to protect all workers’ rights after Brexit. But there is nothing in this Bill to stop politicians shredding or watering down our rights in the future.” She added: “Nobody voted for Brexit to make life harder for working people. That’s why any deal with the EU must ensure that workers’ rights in Britain don’t fall behind the rest of Europe.” On proposals for the UK to be no longer subject to European Court of Justice rulings from the day the UK leaves the EU, the TUC leader said: “An early commitment to walk away from the ECJ will tie our hands in Brexit negotiations. The government should leave all options on the table, instead of creating yet more inflexible red lines.” The repeal bill will give the government powers to repeal and amend existing rules – powers which will apply to employment, safety and equality laws. The TUC says there is a risk the government could seek to scrap or water down key workers’ rights. It argues the Bill should include non-regression clauses guaranteeing that the new powers cannot be used to repeal or dilute legal protections.