NEWS RELEASE Tuesday, 23 November 2004 For Immediate Release
Queen's speech
STUC calls on Scottish Executive to follow Corporate Manslaughter Legislation
The STUC has welcomed the announcement in the Queen's speech of proposed legislation for the crime of corporate manslaughter. STUC General Secretary Bill Speirs today said
"We welcome this proposal which, we hope, will hold company directors responsible for the failure to properly protect workers under health and safety directives. As part of our Unions Work campaign, the STUC continues to press the Scottish Executive to urgently introduce similar legislation to ensure the protection of Scottish workers."
STUC Comment on other proposals
The STUC welcomes the introduction of legislation to reform the rights of disabled people. We also welcome the extension of equality laws against discrimination on the grounds of religious faith. However, although the STUC is broadly supportive of the establishment of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, Bill Speirs, STUC General Secretary said:
"The STUC commends the significant progress that the existing three equality bodies have achieved in their respective areas. We are concerned that a move to a single equality body will weaken their impact. The STUC would like to see assurances that the new body will continue to fight all forms of discrimination in Scottish workplaces as well as, if not better than, the current bodies do."
The STUC also welcomed the proposals for a referendum on the EU Constitution and hopes that there will be an informed debate on the constitution which will could effect the working conditions of millions of people throughout the EU.
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 www.stuc.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- The STUC have been campaigning on this important issue for several years. The figures published by the HSE this week show fatalities have reduced significantly although even at this early stage it is clear this will not be repeated this year. Additionally the figures for major injuries suffered by Scottish workers rose by 109 and less serious injuries remain relatively static.