Leaving the European Union (EU) could see council staff losing workplace rights such as paid holiday and limits on excessive hours, trade union Unison has warned.

The union has decided to campaign for the UK to stay in Europe, saying Brexit would put employment rights at risk, as well as damage public services.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: ‘Europe isn't perfect, but on balance staying in the EU has so much more to offer nurses, teaching assistants, town hall staff and other public servants than an uncertain future where the UK goes it alone.' 

He added: ‘Unison may have had its doubts about Europe in the past, but now the chips are down and exit is a real possibility, public sector workers know that the services they deliver, and the public that relies on them, will be much better off in than out.'?

A survey of Unison branches found nearly four in five (78%) wanted the union to take a stance in the referendum, with 95% of these saying it should campaign for the UK to remain in Europe.

The national split over whether Britain should remain in the 28-member block is reflected in the Department for Communities and Local Government, where ministers are divided on the issue.