Members of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) voted for a referendum on the new EU Reform Treaty, according to statistics from the organisation’s website.
A massive majority of 90% voted for the measure.
With Slovenia taking over the six month rotating Presidency of the EU, the FSB has raised questions about the possibility of the new EU Treaty and it’s affect on UK industrial relations.
“The new EU Reform Treaty makes the Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding,” said
John Walker, FSB policy chairman.
“We are deeply concerned that, despite the written guarantee that the Charter will not apply to employment law in this country, the UK’s position is open to legal challenge and that small businesses could suffer as a result.”
The UK has secured a written guarantee that the Charter cannot be used by the European Court of Justice to alter UK employment laws. But there are legal experts who say that this written guarantee may not be effective and that small businesses could face further complexity in employment laws.
“This poll clearly shows that small businesses are worried about the new EU Reform Treaty and believe they should have a say on whether it is implemented,” continued Walker.
“The government should stick to its promise of holding a referendum on the proposals. The packaging may have changed but the provisions are almost identical,” he concluded.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008
