GMB calls for proper impact assessment of 'Ramshackle' Brexit as Great Repeal Bill hits Parliament
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OBR warns of £100 billion cost from weakened productivity growth alone.
GMB, has called for greater certainty for workers and a proper impact assessment of hard Brexit as the Great Repeal Bill begins its journey through Parliament.
Alongside the Great Repeal Bill, the Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) today published a Risk Report which examined some of the potential financial consequences of Brexit.
The independent body warns of a possible £100 billion cost over 50 years from weakened productivity growth alone.
This means lower wages and worse public services and is exactly why we need a proper industrial strategy that puts jobs and investment first, as GMB has called for.
Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary, said:
“We've been calling for a proper impact assessment into hard Brexit for months – but as yet we’ve had nothing.
“The uncertainty from this Government's ramshackle approach to Brexit is already harming working people.
“The fall in the pound has made everyday goods and services more expensive and increased inflation, while consumer confidence has also fallen.
“This Government has been woeful at workforce planning in all sectors.
"There's added uncertainty for both those from the EU and the lack of training and opportunities for those in the UK.
“Today’s Brexit risk report warns of a £100 billion cost from weakened productivity growth alone.
“This means lower wages and worse public services and is exactly why we need a proper industrial strategy that puts jobs and investment first, as GMB has called for.
“Theresa May said the general election was about giving her a mandate for her Brexit plans and she lost her majority.
“She must now speak to trade unions – along with others in different sectors – to develop a proper, coherent industrial strategy.
“This document is again remarkably light on actual Brexit scenarios, and once more leaves us with more questions than answers.”
