Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill Passes Second Reading
Amidst wider Government instability, the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill has quietly received its second reading in the House of Commons this week.
We previously reported on the Bill, which if passed, could mean that many of our established employment law rights may be subject to significant change or even removed altogether. The Bill would act to revoke EU-derived subordinate legislation and retained EU law at the end of 2023. The Government can take positive action to preserve certain laws, but the default position is that if no such action is taken, a raft of employment rights will disappear. Particular rights that could be affected include holiday pay rights, part-time and fixed term workers' protection, and the 48 hour maximum working week. Some commentators have raised concerns that the Bill will create significant uncertainty, both within the world of employment law and beyond.
On 25 October, the Bill received its second reading at the House of Commons. It was approved, which means the Bill is now proceeding to committee stage. During the second reading debate, the Government committed to safeguard the substance of any retained EU law and legal effects required to operate international obligations within domestic law. The House of Commons Public Bill Committee for the Bill has now issued a call for written evidence on the Bill. The Committee has asked for any evidence to be submitted as soon as possible to allow the maximum time for consideration before the Committee is due to deliver its report, on 22 November 2022. The Committee wishes to hear from anyone with relevant expertise and experience, or a special interest in the Bill.
