HSE budget cuts raise concerns over workplace safety

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) budget will be slashed by 35 per cent by 2014/15.

Although the news was not announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, a DWP spokesperson has said that the cuts are a response to the current economic climate, and that it is "only appropriate that HSE should be asked to reduce its costs in the same way as the rest of the public sector."

The DWP also said that it would be sharing some of its costs with those businesses which create risks, while reducing burdens on low-risk businesses.

"We will consider the recommendations of Lord Young's review and design a streamlined health and safety system that is fit for the 21st century while remaining true to the core principles set out by Lord Robens in 1972," added the body.

But, in light of the HSE cuts being announced, concerns have been raised about increased risks to employees' health and safety in the workplace.

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said, "Any cuts in frontline services will inevitably lead to a greater number of workers being killed or injured at work. Sadly, the risks are greatest in safety-critical industries such as construction.

"Now there is the genuine possibility that the HSE whose role it is to ensure workers' safety, will be denied the resources to perform their role properly," he added.