15th September 2009 - Linda backs Workers Memorial plan

Campaigning Labour Euro-MP Linda McAvan is backing plans for the government to formally recognise Workers Memorial Day on April 28th each year – and she has paid tribute to the personal efforts of an Immingham man who helped to make it happen.

Between April 2008 and March this year, 180 people were killed in Britain whilst at work, and accidents and ill health are thought to cost the economy £20 billion each year. Since 2001, there has been international recognition of Workers Memorial Day, as trade unions, churches and local authorities have backed the slogan; “Remember the dead, fight for the living”.

A regular attendee at Workers Memorial Day services, Linda has long supported the calls of campaigners seeking recognition of the day. The Department for Work and Pensions recently released a consultation indicating that the government now believes it is appropriate to join those countries around the world that already formally recognise the day.

Linda said;

“The work of Immingham’s Herbert Styles should be singled out for helping to bring this policy about. He has been an utterly tireless and selfless campaigner to bring Workers Memorial Day into the mainstream, inviting me every year not just to one church service but to all three that he organises – one each for Immingham, Grimsby and Cleethorpes. He has been and remains a terrific champion for the cause.”

She added;

"The number of deaths in British workplaces has thankfully fallen year on year, making Britain one of the safest places in the world to be employed, and yet even over the last year 180 people have lost their lives in workplace incidents. The economic cost is huge, but the personal and emotional cost inconceivable.

“EU and UK health and safety laws have made a real difference in improving the lives of working people in recent decades, but for me Workers Memorial Day is a poignant reminder that all of us – politicians, businesses, trade unions and individuals – have a role to play in making our workplaces as safe as they can be. That is why I want to see the government supporting the day, and why I am so pleased that they have brought forward this consultation.”

Anyone wishing to express their views in the government consultation can find the information below:

• Click here for the DWP consultation
• Click here for information about International Workers Memorial Day for the Health and Safety Executive

Linda is pictured at recent Workers Memorial Day services in Grimsby (top) and Rotherham (below, with MPs John Healey and Kevin Barron)