The United Kingdom’s membership of the EU has led to significant improvements in the rights enjoyed by millions of working women in the country. EC law has extended their right to equal pay, improved the conditions for part-time jobs and strengthened protection from sex discrimination. Furthermore, it has improved the treatment of pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace and introduced new entitlements for parents to take time off. Many women have also benefited from very basic rights, such as paid holidays, that were introduced at EU level and implemented in the UK. Nowadays, many people are worried that leaving the EU will rescind the aforementioned entitlements and render the rights of women and girls in the UK precarious.

1.Is the Commission planning to include the equality and rights of women in the Brexit negotiations?

2.What concrete steps does the Commission intend to take to make sure that women’s rights continue to be protected as the United Kingdom withdraws from the EU?