NEWS RELEASE
Tuesday, 24 May 2005 For immediate release
Labour should be "listening" to workers, not business, over red tape proposals
The Scottish Trades Union Congress has reacted with serious concerns to Gordon's Brown's comments that a "soft touch" approach to regulation is required and companies should no longer be subject to routine regulatory inspections.
Ian Tasker STUC Assistant Secretary said
"We have an example of a Government which, two weeks ago, said it was now prepared to listen to the people, now sending a message that clearly demonstrates, as far as regulation is concerned, they will listen only to the business community".
"It is not just trade unions and workers the Government are turning a deaf ear to in their moves to deregulate our workplaces. Recently in Parliament, the Department of Work and Pensions Select Committee on the Work of the Health and Safety Executive took the view that, despite pressure from business leaders, it did not support the concept of "earned autonomy".
"We would urge the Chancellor and the Labour Government to concentrate on delivering its previous commitment to protect workers before subscribing to business leaders red tape myths".
ENDS For further information contact Ian Tasker