Brexit Backslide: How the United Kingdom’s Break from the European Union Could Erode Female Labor Rights

Abstract

Britain’s retreat from the E.U. has demonstrated the deep connection between its domestic law and E.U. law and the dangers that can arise when a country attempts to disentangle the two. With the recent passage of the Retained E.U. Law (Revocation and Reform) Act, the resulting absence of E.U. law in British domestic law may create legal holes that leave women in the workforce without protection from discrimination. International organizations and treaties, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the International Labor Organization, may be used to patch these holes. Moreover, Britain may find inspiration from other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries which have successfully protected women. This Comment serves as a cautionary tale for other European countries which may someday seek to exit the E.U., and provides a path forward for British activists looking to protect the rights of women in the workforce