NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER 2002
STUC WELCOMES NEW ASBESTOS INITIATIVE
The Scottish Trades Union Congress has endorsed the findings of a COSLA report covering all aspects of asbestos exposure and welcomed the opportunity to participate in the National Asbestos Conference, to be held at the University of Stirling this Thursday (12 December 2002). The Conference brings together a number of acknowledged experts from various fields including asbestos related illness, litigation, asbestos management and enforcement.
Commenting on the Conference, STUC General Secretary, Bill Speirs, said:
"We are delighted to have been involved in the working group and acknowledge the efforts of COSLA, West Dunbartonshire Council and the University of Stirling for facilitating this Conference.
"The requirement to develop a consistent and comprehensive point of reference for all stakeholders dealing with asbestos issues is long overdue. This Conference is the culmination of a substantial piece of work, commissioned by COSLA and carried out by a group, including individual local authorities, academics and the STUC.
"This initiative not only compliments the high quality of support given to victims by Asbestos supports groups but is seeking to provide a mechanism to establish best practice in asbestos management.
"We believe that the outcomes from the COSLA project and new regulations will help prevent the predicted fourth wave of deaths from asbestos related illness, while providing increased support for those, unfortunately suffering from diseases that could have been prevented."
ENDS
For further comment, contact:
Bill Speirs
Ian Tasker