Expert body needed

A new expert body, with powers to research workplace injury and diseases and make recommendations to the Scottish government on the payment of specific welfare benefits to those injured at work, must be established.

The call was made by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and its affiliated unions as they marked International Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April.

They backed Labour MSP Mark Griffin’s Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council Members’ Bill, which seeks to use new social security powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament to establish an independent council with permanent, independent trade union representation.

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said backing the Bill would mean a “safer future for Scotland’s workforce”.