Campaign against HSE cuts on International Workers' Memorial Day

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PCS Comment

26 April 2012

Every year, more people die at work than in war. This Saturday (28 April) is the day that trade unionists and people across the world mourn for workers who have died.

This year, PCS wants to both remember the dead and campaign to ensure that the living are kept healthy and safe in their work.

PCS is defending the jobs and services of our members working at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) from government attacks through spending cuts, deregulation and myth-peddling. We are fighting to retain and enhance the integrity and survival of HSE for our members that work there and every other person whose health and well-being is reliant on them.

About 1.9 million people suffered from a work-related illness last year and more than 20,000 British workers died from an occupational-related cancer. A significant proportion of people with a work-related illness suffered with either musculoskeletal disorders, stress, depression or anxiety. The cuts to the HSE mean these figures are likely to soar.

The government believes that health and safety regulation is a burden on business, costs too much to enforce and is a barrier to economic growth.

We believe that health and safety hurts nobody. In fact, businesses responded to the government's Red Tape Challenge by saying that they wanted more advice, not less.

However, the government ignored the results and the HSE remains under threat. Its funding cut means the public information helpline has closed and staffing levels have fallen to 2,960. About 400 more jobs could be under threat next year.

The government wants to remove as many health and safety regulations as it can, cut inspections and enforcement, and make it more difficult to get compensation.

Join our campaign to defend your health and your safety by emailing your MP.

Public and Commercial Services Union