Legal chief pledges to keep public in the know about Brexit fall-out

The head of the body representing Scotland’s solicitors has said its members will ensure that those using legal services are kept informed about any changes to workers’ rights and consumer law following the UK’s vote for a Brexit.  

Eilidh Wiseman, president of the Law Society of Scotland, pointed out that Scottish law is affected by the European working time directive, which limits the amount of hours people can work, or the EU standards for parental leave.

She said that sectors such as food, agriculture and fisheries are also effected by regulations emanating from the EU.  

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Wiseman said that Law Society of Scotland members would ensure that its solicitor members keep their clients informed when any changes to such legislation come into force.   

She said: “Solicitors regularly advise their clients, whether individuals or businesses, on EU law and policies and keep their clients informed of their rights and obligations.

“For example as an employee or an employer, we are affected by the working time directive or the EU standards for parental leave.

“As consumers we are affected by EU food standards and those who work in industries ranging from agriculture and fisheries to telecoms and technology are also affected by EU regulations.

“We will closely monitor the UK Government’s negotiations with the EU as they develop during this transitional period through to the implementation of the final agreement and consider the potential impact on solicitors’ businesses and practice rights, on the domestic legislative process and on our future interaction with the EU.

“We will work to ensure that our members are kept informed to ensure they can properly advise their clients at every stage.”