T&G opposes cuts at HSE

The T&G general union has protested to Gordon Brown about cuts to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

General secretary Tony Woodley wrote to the chancellor after learning that between 250 and 350 posts are to be lost by 2008, with the prospect of further cuts following the government's forthcoming spending review.

"The continued safety of workers and the public depends on a strong and active HSE," Woodley wrote. "This cannot be achieved while its resources are cut and its service reduced.

Pointing to "a dangerously low level of regulation of workplace health and safety" owing to years of under-investment, he urged Brown to ensure an immediate increase in the HSE's budget.