Brexit, retained EU law and assimilated law

This subtopic contains materials, commentary and analysis on the implications for Employment lawyers of the UK's withdrawal from the EU and how legal rights and obligations were affected, as well as the subsequent further changes made by the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (REUL(RR)A 2023).

From exit day (31 January 2020), the UK ceased to be an EU Member State but, in accordance with the transitional arrangements provided in the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK was in an implementation period (IP) until 31 December 2020, known as ‘IP completion day’. During this period, the UK continued to be treated by the EU as a Member State for many purposes. While it could not participate in the political institutions and governance structures of the EU, the UK had to continue to adhere to its obligations under EU law (including EU treaties, legislation, principles and international agreements) and submit to the continuing jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU or ECJ).

The repeal of the European Communities Act 1972 (ECA 1972), effective on exit day, was

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Powered by Lexis+®
Latest Employment News

PAC criticises Home Office over failures to tackle exploitation under skilled worker visa route

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has found that the Home Office failed to adequately address the risk of exploitation and non-compliance under the skilled worker visa scheme, particularly in the care sector. In its 4 July 2025 report, the PAC criticises the department for failing to prevent abuse following the scheme’s 2022 expansion to support adult social care, highlighting serious weaknesses in safeguarding, compliance monitoring, and tracking of visa expiries. While the expansion helped alleviate workforce shortages during the pandemic, it also exposed migrant workers to exploitation, with evidence submitted to the inquiry detailing cases of debt bondage, excessive working hours and poor living conditions. Despite early signs of abuse, the Home Office was slow to respond and does not hold data on how many visa holders have been identified as potential victims of modern slavery. The PAC further found that the department lacks key data on visa compliance, including whether workers leave the UK at the end of their stay, are re-sponsored, or remain unlawfully, and has not analysed exit check data since the route’s introduction. In light of the recent decision to end overseas recruitment for care workers, the PAC warns of further risks unless cross-government workforce strategies are coordinated and calls for a joined-up approach to tackling exploitation and addressing domestic skills shortages.

View Employment by content type :

Popular documents