Red tape set to rise, warn campaigners
EUROPE'S new constitution could cost British businesses billions, according to campaigners.
Victor Watson, chairman of Yorkshire for a Referendum, warned that under changes to voting rules could see several different proposals currently being blocked by the UK pushed through.
Of most concern are proposals to give the UK an opt-out from the 48 hour working weeks and one to give temporary and agency workers the same rights as full-time workers after only six weeks.
Mr Watson added that the treaty will also end the national veto over energy policy, allowing the EU to pass its proposed directive on increased statutory oil reserve requirements, which could grow Britain's energy bill by up to £6bn a year.
“The Government estimates that losing the opt-out will cost our economy £9bn a year, while the Temporary Agency Workers Directive could cost 250,000 temporary jobs,” he said.
“Furthermore there is nothing in the treaty that prevents the courts from using the Charter of Fundamental Rights when interpreting EU laws.
“The worry for business is that this will lead to a major expansion of regulatory powers in such areas as health & safety, rights at work, protection against dismissal, rights to consultation, collective bargaining and the right to strike. The uncertainty that this creates is bad for business.”
Mr Watson, a former President of Leeds Chamber of Commerce and past chairman of several Yorkshire companies, said that to compete in the modern world, business needed a flexible economy with light regulation.
The Yorkshire for Referendum campaign hopes to persuade the Government to hold a referendum on the issue before Parliament votes on the treaty.
According to the British Chamber of Commerce EU regulations introduced since 1998 have cost UK businesses £40bn.
Campaigners say that the amount of red tape will inevitably grow following the introduction of the new Constitution as it will increase the EU's powers over employment, social security, competition, trade and economic policy.
