Maternity leave, parental leave and improvements for workers and their families are due to European directives and decisions. Legislation for pregnant workers came from a European model based on a directive – similarly with gender equality and equal pay which go back to the 1970s. The Employment Equality Act represents that sort of progress. Looking further than the effects on oneself, towards workers and their representatives, inward investment in this country has slowed down since we voted "No". This may be a coincidence or due to 11 September last year. It may be due to the slowdown in the global economy. However, there are other reasons.