GMB says that health and safety cuts are just propaganda to appease the right wing condem coalition. These cuts will not promote growth and could well lead to an increase in accidents at work and in the retail sector increase risks to the public also says GMB.

GMB commented on the Government proposals to cut the coverage of health and safety laws.

John McClean GMB National Health & Safety Officer said “ This is nothing new and is in effect a regurgitation of previous statements from Lord Young and principally the previous Health and Safety Minister. It was Mr Grayling without reference to his department who announced this in March 2011. This is just propaganda to appease the right wing from a new minister- none of which is new or unfortunately surprising. This will not promote growth and could well lead to an increase in accidents at work and in the retail sector increase risks to the public also. Current laws in this area were not enforced very strongly anyway. The burdens will now fall on individuals and society in suffering and cost. Most small and medium firms would not be able to identify the legislation that states they should carry out risk assessments.”