The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has welcomed a Government pledge to protect and enhance workers’ rights as part of the UK’s negotiations to exit the European Union.
IOSH has welcomed a Government pledge to protect and enhance workers’ rights as part of the UK’s negotiations to exit the European Union.
The recently published ‘Brexit’ White Paper has listed protecting workers’ rights as one of 12 principles which will guide the UK Government during its negotiations to leave the EU.
In making its pledge, the Government states upholding workers’ rights will provide “certainty and continuity to employees and employers alike, creating stability in which the UK can grow and thrive”.
Richard Jones, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH, said: “IOSH welcomes the Government’s ‘Brexit’ White Paper commitment that the UK will remain a world-leader on workers’ rights and will ensure adequate legal protections in the changing labour market – all essential for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions across the sectors.
“IOSH is encouraged that the Government commits to seeking out opportunities to also enhance worker protections and is currently consulting on Corporate Governance reforms, urging business to be open and transparent. We believe that positive health and safety leadership and good corporate performance reporting can drive improvements, helping to save lives and secure business success.
“We are also pleased that the Government has confirmed that, as early as it can, it wishes to relieve uncertainty for affected workers and employers by securing the status of EU nationals already in the UK, and UK nationals in Europe.”
IOSH will be responding shortly on the Corporate Governance Reform Green Paper, recently published by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
