Workers' rights at risk over Brexit, TUC warns

Workers' rights, including paid annual leave, time off for antenatal appointments and fair treatment for part-timers, would be at risk if the UK votes to leave the European Union, it has been warned.

The TUC said decisions on which rights to keep, or drop altogether, would be left to the Government under any review of work-related laws.

The union organisation published a report setting out which rights were underpinned by EU rules, including 20 days' paid annual leave a year, not being forced to work longer than 48 hours a week, equal pay and protections from discrimination.

Millions of workers have benefited from EU-derived workplace rights, said the TUC.

General secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Working people have a huge stake in the referendum because workers' rights are on the line.

"It's the EU that guarantees workers their rights to paid holidays, parental leave, equal treatment for part-timers, and much more.

"These rights can't be taken for granted. There are no guarantees that any government will keep them if the UK leaves the EU.

"Without the back-up of EU laws, unscrupulous employers will have free rein to cut many of their workers' hard-won benefits and protections.

"The current Government has already shown their appetite to attack workers' rights. Unions in Britain campaigned for these rights and we don't want them put in jeopardy."