The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, a UK trade union that represents 5,000 workers (1,000 of whom are EU citizens), has filed judicial review proceedings in the High Court to force the prime minister to abide by the Benn Act.
The Benn Act provides that if MPs haven’t approved a deal in a meaningful vote, or approved leaving the EU without a deal by 19 October, then the prime minister must send a letter (specifically worded in the Act) to the president of the European Council which seeks an extension to Article 50 until 31 January 2020. If the EU agrees to the date, then the prime minister should also agree.
The Trade Union considers that the case is important because of the impact Brexit and in particular a no deal Brexit will have on employment rights that are based on EU law, such as:
equal pay
protection against discrimination
minimum paid holiday
working hours regulation
redundancy consultation
Whilst government lawyers have promised that the extension letter will be sent in compliance with the Benn Act, the Prime Minister has repeatedly said that under no circumstances would the UK stay in the EU beyond the 31st of October.
https://iwgb.org.uk/post/5d9c42d652f0a/iwgb-files-high-court-proceedi
