A Chinese textile factory. Critics believe
that because of EU rules, British industry will lose out to
competition from cheaper imports
(EPA/EMPICS)
What has the EU done for us?
Quite a lot, actually. EU law has given pregnant women more rights
at work and a minimum wage for people in low-paid jobs. It’s given
us proper anti-discrimination laws. And the Human Rights Act has
introduced a set of simple rights that reach across everything
and can override any other law.
We’ve also got a lot more choice over what we can buy. Phones,
cars, clothes and food are all delivered to our high streets from
EU countries. Often, this means we get a better deal. But it can
also mean that British companies lose business to cheaper EU products.
Some employers say that rules protecting workers’ rights have
made it harder for Britain to compete with places like China.
They argue that even more workers’ rights will eventually lead
to no jobs at all, as business goes to cheaper, less regulated
countries.
More importantly – for some – many decisions affecting our lives
are now made by politicians in Brussels. EU membership has definitely
taken some power out of the hands of our MPs. This is the main
worry of those who oppose the EU. |
