Leaving the European Union could see council staff losing workplace rights such as paid holiday and limits on excessive hours, trade union Unison are warning.
The union has decided to campaign for the UK to stay in Europe, saying a Bexit would put employment rights at risk as well as damage public services.
‘Europe isn’t perfect, but on balance staying in the EU has so much more to offer nurses, teaching assistants, town hall staff and other public servants than an uncertain future where the UK goes it alone,’ said Unison general secretary Dave Prentis.
He added: ‘Unison may have had its doubts about Europe in the past, but now the chips are down and exit is a real possibility, public sector workers know that the services they deliver, and the public that relies on them, will be much better off in than out.’
A survey of its branches found nearly four in five (78%) wanted Unison to take a stance in the referendum, with 95% of these saying it should campaign for the UK to stay in Europe.
Labour council leaders have have also warned that leaving the EU would have a negative impact on 'almost every area of council work'.
