Unions back asthma plan

A new scheme aimed at preventing asthma at work was launched with the backing of the TUC and bakers' union BFAWU last month.

Produced by Asthma UK, Asthma at work - your charter sets out 10 recommendations to reduce the impact of asthma in the workplace. It also provides information on asthma triggers and symptoms, instructions on what to do if someone is having an attack, and guidelines for employers to make the work environment less "asthma friendly".

Every year, 750,000 UK employees with asthma find that conditions at work trigger their symptoms. A further 3,000 people develop occupational asthma because of the substances they are exposed to while doing their jobs.

The charter is available at www.asthma.org.uk/bits/images/workplace_charter.pdf