January 12, 2023

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Retained EU Law Bill debated in Commons – Repeal of laws is “alarming”, warns RoSPA

RoSPA says repealing or replacing over 4,000 pieces of law as part of the Retained EU Law Bill is “alarming” and is calling for a delay to its proposed implementation as Bill is debated in Commons.

houses of parliament

Palace of Westminster, London

Under the Bill, the Government is committed to repealing or replacing over 4,000 pieces of law taken from the UK’s previous membership of the EU bloc by December 2023, including compulsory, workplace safety legislation and the working time directive.

A growing list of organisations, including RoSPA, have expressed concern over rushing through the Bill, saying there is not enough time to thoroughly assess, adapt or improve each law.

Errol Taylor, Chief Executive at RoSPA, says that if managed correctly, this Bill could offer an opportunity to arrive at a successful destination, but that cannot happen if the Government sticks by its current 2023 deadline, which represents a cliff edge over which will fall essential life-saving legislation and that “the headlong rush to abolish regulations is alarming”.

Taylor continued: “While we agree that the revision and sanitation of standards could be a positive step, we need to ensure we do this sensibly and in consultation. The Bill offers a huge opportunity for health and safety professionals to lead the way in protecting and enhancing people’s lives, and we want to be at the forefront of that.”

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IAN WIGHTMAN
IAN WIGHTMAN
1 year ago

The government are determined to rid the workplace of most workers rights and this includes most of the things fought for over the years, holiday entitlement, sick pay, and much of the Health and safety measures intended to make the workplace safe to work in

Terry C
Terry C
1 year ago

Why does ROSPA not give some positive advice and say they have reviewed the 4000 “pieces of law” and give some recommendations on which legislation should definitely be kept?

John
John
1 year ago
Reply to  Terry C

Because RoSPA have become more professional lobbyists than practitioners in recent years, I say that as a former RoSPA member and instructor/examiner.

David Moore
David Moore
6 months ago
Reply to  John

Have you any idea how long it would take to review all 4000 papers on the statute book? No one has the answers; there are not enough lawyers or health and safety professionals that can achieve the governments aims! it’s impossible to do within the time frame allowed! That is the whole point; its an unachievable aim.