Work and employment

One-minute summary

The EU is much more than a free market for goods and services. Over the years, it has worked to improve working conditions and set down minimum levels of workplace rights for all British and European workers. One of the first acts of the Labour government after 1997 was to sign the European Social Chapter guaranteeing these rights.

These need to be agreed at European level in order to create a level playing field across the single market and to avoid 'social dumping', where a company might otherwise try to avoid its social responsibilities by moving to the country with the lowest levels of employee protection.

Significant EU funding is also targeted at the UK's poorest areas with the specific aim of increasing employment.

• See also: Business and economic growth, Social Europe

Labour views

• European Parliamentary Labour Party: "The 'long hours' culture dogs British industry, leading to ill health
  and stress as well as taking its toll on family life."
• UK Government: "Over 3 million British jobs are linked to our trade in goods and services with the EU."

Other views

• Britain in Europe: "EU funding helps to create jobs and regenerate Britain's poorer areas."
• Civitas: "If the UK were to leave the EU, there would be no net loss of jobs or trade."

Reference materials

• European Commission on employment and social policy: An introductory booklet.

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