The Impact of Brexit on UK Employment Law | Slater + Gordon – Slater and Gordon Lawyers UK

With the UKs new Brexit deal having come into effect on the 31 December 2020, the UK is no longer bound to adhere to EU employment law. Parliament now has open reign to make adjustments and overturn legislations previously enforced by EU case law.

In January 2021, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng confirmed the government is reviewing EU labour laws. Any drastic changes are unlikely to occur as CIPD reports that the government has agreed not to reduce the existing level of social protection, though a review of certain areas could see alterations for the future of UK employment rights after Brexit.

One of the largest impacts is that the UK are no longer able to refer cases to the ECJ (European Court of Justice) which had previously provided guidance to UK courts and tribunals on applying, and aligning with, EU law. The UK isnt required to follow ECJ decisions, leaving employment tribunals in dispute as to whether they should conform or reject future relevant and authoritative judgements made by the ECJ.

Equality

Anti-discriminations provisions, in employment and beyond, were established prior to the UK becoming an EU member state. Although, the discrimination compensation that claimants receive could see a cap introduced.

Prior to the ECJs decision to remove discrimination compensation caps, under the Equality Act 2010, the UK used to limit compensation awarded for any form of discrimination. Following the withdrawal of the ECJs authority, the removal of limitations is no longer protected, leaving potentially numerous employees entitled to larger sums of compensation disheartened by the ruling.

Holiday pay and working time

Prior to the William v British Airways case in 2011, UK holiday pay law stated that earnings over this period could include only an employee's basic salary. The decision from the case led to a series of discussions on how holiday pay should be calculated to expand the boundaries and take into consideration payments such as commission and overtime.

It's speculated that there be a revert back to the previously accepted terms, meaning the guarantees of fair paid holidays could be at risk under Conservative authority.

Another measure of change which has been confirmed as under consideration is relaxing the working time directive after Brexit. The current maximum hours you can work in a week stands at 48, with the removal of this cap placing many workers at risk of working excessive hours. This would save an estimated 1billion as businesses would no longer be required to report on daily working hours.

Agency workers rights post Brexit

The directives enforced by the EU provide equal rights for agency workers in cohesion with full-time and permanent employees in the UK. These came into force when the Labour government enlisted in the Social Chapter, having previously been denied by Conservative governments.

With their disagreement of the UKs participation in the Social Chapter, those protections could be lifted, placing those on weaker terms of employment at vulnerability.

The post-Brexit world could also look a lot different for those in the gig-economy conducting freelance work. The current ability to move capital freely across the EU and the opportunity to work for international clients may become more difficult having to navigate through yet uncertain agreements.

TUPE

The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, otherwise known as TUPE, is an EU-based right which some businesses consider a complex issue and therefore favour its abolishment in the UK.

TUPE supports employees in the event of business transfers, protecting them against dismissal with an automatic transfer principle. With some businesses arguing that the provisions cause excessive due diligence and difficulty in harmonising affairs, this EU enforcement could be removed.

Though change is inevitable, the UK are left without clarity on how drastic these alterations will be. The pressure placed on employment tribunals could rise as they may be instructed to overturn decades-old decisions of employment law. Though, with the reintroduction of a employment tribunal fees being discussed, this may defer those considering to progress their case to employment tribunal.

If youre experiencing a dispute with your employer, our expert employment solicitors are here to offer prompt and reliable legal advice and representation to help resolve your issue. Call us today on 0161 830 9632 or contact us and well reach out to you.

All information was correct at the time of publication.

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The Impact of Brexit on UK Employment Law | Slater + Gordon - Slater and Gordon Lawyers UK