Brexit - what will the impact be on employment law?

By KMC Human Resources

12 Jul 2016

The dust has yet to settle on the historic decision of the UK to leave the EU following the June 23 referendum.

In what has been a fortnight of political turmoil and debate reaching every corner of the UK, it seems that there are perhaps more unanswered questions now than ever before.

Whilst the focus has been largely on the political fallout following ‘Brexit’, and the effect the ‘leave’ vote has had on the wider economy, it is important to look at the impact the decision will have on business in the short to medium term.

One area that potentially stands to be affected most is employment law. Much of the legislation that has come into force in the UK over recent times has been derived from the EU.

For example, the calculation of holiday pay to include overtime and bonus pay, moves towards family friendly working policies, tighter TUPE regulations and widespread anti-discrimination rules have all been borne from EU directives and decisions made in the European Court of Justice.

For the time being, the advice is not to panic. Any existing EU-driven employment law policies will remain as they are until the eventual point that the UK leaves the European Union.

What happens after the point of exit is where things will get interesting. Much of EU legislation is now enshrined in UK law and whilst in theory the government could dismantle employment law as it stands, enforcing its own set of rules and regulations under which employers and employees will be governed, the question is whether this will happen; even with the strongest political will.

It is perhaps more likely that the status quo will be maintained for several years to come. Many EU-derived employment laws have been seen to provide positive change, such as the Working Time Directive, which has brought about better working conditions and a number of fundamental rights for those employed in the UK.

One of the big question marks remains around how EU migrants will be treated in the eyes of the law and whether the future will see EU citizens requiring a visa or permit to work in Britain.

This of course relies on many wider issues, predominantly the free movement of people into the UK – the debate on which is likely to rage on for many months to come.

So what about EU citizens who already live and work in the UK? The CIPD says ‘There is no significant threat to the rights of EEA workers already in the UK to live and work here so you should reassure your existing EU workers that they don’t face any risk to their job security.

It seems likely that there will be some sort of worker registration scheme introduced in the future for EEA nationals that are already in the UK to protect their right to continue to live and work in the UK.’ The message for employers is to sit tight for the time being, whilst keeping an eye on any developments as they occur. KMC HR will provide updates on future decisions, keeping you informed as to how any changes will affect you and your business.

Latest news

1

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs Manufacturing

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs

03 Apr 2025

2

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer Matthew Ratcliffe CMAC

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer

03 Apr 2025

3

For sale signs at The Villa Villa Wrea Green has been brought to market (Image credit: The Villa Wrea Green)

For sale signs at The Villa

02 Apr 2025

4

Montane group expands with new Lancashire hub Anthony Rae Scott Murcott And Adam Lee

Montane group expands with new Lancashire hub

02 Apr 2025

5

Trio of wins for Lancaster brand and digital consultancy Tom Grattan MD and Daniel Wallace

Trio of wins for Lancaster brand and digital consultancy

02 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Lancashire Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880395853-4862066883-1-original.20241022-091152-2.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
04 Apr 2025 - 04 Apr 2025

Lancashire Business Expo 2025

Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

National Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine Conference 2025
Remote and Rural 3.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
05 Jun 2025 - 05 Jun 2025

National Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine Conference 2025

North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Penrith, CA11 8QT

09:30 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin