18/06/2010
Health and safety regulations are in the hot seat now that the Prime Minister announced, on June 14th, the appointment of a councilor, follower of deregulation, to review these regulations. This decision isn't going to help improve the relation between the Conservative party and unions.

Lord Young, former secretary of State for Trade and Industry during the Thatcher administration, was appointed by David Cameron to review health and safety regulations. A follower of the deregulation policy characterizing the Conservative party, who announced it during the electoral campaign, he announced the immediate revision of health and safety regulations.

"We need a sensible approach that makes clear these laws are intended to protect people, not overwhelm businesses with red tape" declared the Prime Minister.

The new councilor, while qualifying health and safety regulations of "essential in many industries," said that they were too broadly applied and too heavy for businesses, Community organizations and public services.

"I hope my review will reintroduce an element of common sense and focus the regulation where it is most needed" added Lord Young, who will present his copy this summer. The Health and Safety at Work Act and compensation laws are probably going to be cut, notably regarding education and the relationship between teachers and students.

Unions were infuriated by this announcement, completely opposed to cuts into workers’ protection. Brendan Barber, leader of the Trades Union Confederation (TUC) says this study is biased because it isn’t motivated by the will to better regulate but by the concern to limit protection to answer businesses’ needs. "The Government should protect workers by increasing inspections and enforcement action against employers who put their staff at risk by ignoring existing laws, as well as introducing a legal duty on directors to protect their workers."
Source: Planet Labour