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The EU referendum. It’s a big decision. Everyone has a stake.
But so far we’re just hearing from the same old suits from business and politics.
There’s nothing about ordinary working people.
So, let’s talk jobs.
Almost half of everything the UK sells abroad goes to the EU.
But if we can’t sell stuff in Europe as easily, millions of jobs are on the line.
If they go, they’ll be replaced by worse jobs – if they’re replaced at all.
Look at the Mini works in Oxford. A huge success.
Good jobs, decent pay, lots of apprenticeships.
But the owners, BMW, warn that if the UK left the EU, they might not base as many jobs here.
Other firms say the same. And we don’t think they’re bluffing.
But there’s more.
This might sound techy, but many vital rights for workers are underpinned by EU law.
If we leave, a lot of them might disappear.
Take paid holiday.
When the European rules came in, 6 million Brits got more paid time-off.
And 2 million got paid holidays for the first time ever.
Then there’s help for families
- like paid time-off for medical appointments when you’re pregnant.
Rights for part-timers and agency workers.
Guarantees if your job gets transferred to a new company.
Laws to stop bigots and bad bosses.
And workplace safety rules that can be the difference between life and death.
Unions fought for these rights. And EU law guarantees them.
But if we leave, who knows?
Maybe they get watered down, leaving them vulnerable to bad bosses.
Over time other firms follow suit…
Everyone’s jobs get a bit worse and a bit less safe.
No-one’s saying the EU is perfect. But for workers, voting to leave is a step into the unknown.