Government to tackle health and safety
In an attempt to reduce work accidents and therefore decrease compensation claims, David Cameron has ordered a review of health and safety laws.
The reform has been launched to lower personal injury cases that have swamped Great Britain over the past decade.
Mr Cameron has enlisted the help of Lord Young of Graffham, previous cabinet minister for Margaret Thatcher, who will advise the Prime Minister on health and safety and undertake a government-wide review.
Lord Young will report to Mr Cameron this summer, brief him regularly and work with Whitehall departments.
However, the reform may worry trade unions due to the fear that vital rules which protect workers could be abolished.
A representative from Unison, warned that such changes could affect pensions. He noted that a business association representing firms bidding for contracts from local governments, had sent an email to members pointing out that pension protection for public sector employees transferred to private companies would be abolished.
Currently, staff retain the right to continue paying into a comparable pension scheme – when a contract is transferred from the public to the private sector.
Updated on 15/06/2010