The STUC has expressed concern that the new Corporate Manslaughter Bill will result in many involuntary deaths in Scotland going unpunished, with the real perpetrators able to hide behind the corporate veil while innocent people lose their lives.
Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary, said:
“We continue to believe that there is an urgent need to ensure that all involuntary deaths that occur in Scotland are investigated and, if necessary, prosecuted in a thorough and consistent manner”.
“While this new legislation may make it easier to prosecute organisations following deaths, of either their workers or members of the public, those who take the decisions that ultimately cause the deaths remain immune from the sanctions normally handed out by the courts for culpable homicide”.
“This is why we will continue to support the Private Members’ Bill put forward by Karen Gillon; we believe it is fully within the competence of the Scottish Parliament and will ensure that all involuntary deaths can be prosecuted and punished on a fair and equitable basis irrespective of who commits the crime”.
“It is quite unfair that in our society one of our most serious crimes appears to be discriminatory in the manner in which it is applied. Individuals in larger organisations are still less likely to be charged with culpable homicide than those in small organisations who, in turn, are less likely to face prosecution than any other individual who, through their reckless actions, cause an involuntary death”.
“We acknowledge the commitment by the Scottish Executive to consider further individual offences in addition to the current common law offence of culpable homicide and particularly welcome their ongoing consideration of the options outlined in Karen Gillon’s Bill”.
“The STUC continues to believe that the Scottish Executive can legislate, and has a duty to do so, to ensure that those who suffer the loss of loved ones are treated fairly by our justice system”.
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For further information contact Ian Tasker 0141 337 8100