Yesterday was an historic day, as Prime Minster, Theresa May, formally triggered the two year 'Brexit' process. As commentators have reported, "there can be no turning back". The Prime Minister has previously committed to protecting workers' rights post-Brexit, and the general view is that little will change in the employment law landscape, in at least the short-to-medium term, as a result of Brexit.

Details of the planned Great Repeal Bill are to be published shortly. One of the main aims of the Bill is to transpose existing EU legislation into domestic UK law. Some have reported that Parliament may take the opportunity to axe some of the less popular EU laws, with the Working Time Directive on the line. However, the Government will need to balance political pressure from employers against pressure from the general population.

The Prime Minister has confirmed that the UK will exit from the single market. This is undoubtedly related to the fact that membership in the single market requires member states to embrace the concept of free movement of people. Notwithstanding this announcement, shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott, has called on the left to back free movement as workers' right. Ms Abbott argues that workers, both UK national and foreign, are likely to be hurt if governments start placing controls on where they can be employed. Ms Abbott's approach is different to a number of her senior Labour colleagues, who have called for a "fundamental rethink" of free movement, suggesting that there could be a distinction between people migrating for jobs and those who come to look for work.

What our immigration policy will look like going forward remains a mystery. Speculation is that we may end up with an Australian-style points system or a Swiss system. However, to date, the government has refused to be drawn on this. They insist that Britain will have a "bespoke immigration system" post-Brexit and that whatever is agreed will be a "unique arrangement" between the EU and the UK.

Whatever happens, the next two years are likely to be an interesting, and potentially challenging, time for employers and employees alike.

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