Brexit – the story for employers so far
The UK electorate voted to leave the European Union in a referendum on 23 June 2016. The legal process for exiting the EU began when the UK notified of its intention to withdraw under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on 29 March 2017. The UK and the EU had two years to decide on the terms of the withdrawal, particularly the extent of the UK’s access to the single market versus the degree to which EU workers retain freedom of movement to the UK.
On 21 March 2019, eight days before the scheduled departure date, the EU offered to delay Brexit until 22 May if MPs approve the deal that has been negotiated. If they could not, a no-deal Brexit would happen on 12 April.
On 11 April, the EU allowed a “flexible extension” to 31 October 2019. Boris Johnson, who took over as prime minister in July, had vowed to leave the EU by that date “do or die”, having negotiated a new deal with the EU. However on 28 October 2019, the EU agreed to extend Brexit again, this time to 31 January 2020.
Our Brexit pages provide news and guidance on all aspects of the UK’s exit from the EU.
Main parties’ migration policies pose threat to NHS staffing
Both the Conservatives’ and Labour’s migration policies would worsen understaffing in the NHS and social care, according to a report...
Factories lay off workers at fastest rate in seven years
Employment in the manufacturing sector has fallen for the eighth month in a row as factories lay off workers at...
RB opens £200m innovation hub in Hull
Health and hygiene supplier RB, formerly Reckitt Benckiser, today opens a £200m centre in Hull as a “magnet” for the best scientific talent with 200 new jobs created.
UK faces university brain drain as EU academics quit posts
The number of EU academics working in the UK to have quit their jobs has accelerated since the Brexit referendum,...
EU visitors to UK will need three days’ notice before travelling
Citizens of EU countries will need US-style ESTA pre-approval to enter the UK after Brexit.
Business leaders question migration policy as EU workers return ‘home’
The CBI has queried how a post-Brexit immigration system would function as new figures confirm the decline in EU net...
Need for home care workers outstrips police and nurses
As many as 90,000 home care workers for the over 65s are needed if the main parties’ manifesto pledges to...
LibDems aspire to modernise gig economy and increase worker incomes
The Liberal Democrats say they would alter employment rights to make them a better fit with the gig economy.
Labour unveils radical manifesto with ‘record investment blitz’
Jeremy Corbyn this morning promised to “unleash a record investment blitz, getting the economy moving in every corner of our country”.
Parties to pledge support for employers at CBI
Political party leaders will speak to the CBI later today at its annual conference as they try to persuade the...
UK workers in Europe lose opportunities over Brexit uncertainty
Loss of freedom of movement affects job prospects of UK workers.
Labour would retain freedom of movement for NHS staff
A Labour government, post-Brexit, would retain freedom of movement from the EU for NHS medical professionals, shadow health secretary Jonathan...
General election 2019: when politics and work mix
How can employers prevent employees from electioneering at work? Should the workforce be banned from highlighting their political allegiances in...
Health sector sceptical of Johnson’s immigration plans
Health workers hoping to take up jobs in the UK will benefit from preferential immigration processes with the introduction of...
Leaked memo reveals PM’s desire to weaken workers’ rights post-Brexit
A leak over the weekend of a memo confirms that Boris Johnson intends to water down workers’ rights in the post-withdrawal treaty negotiations.
