The following details have been supplied by the TUC:

Send the new Prime Minister a safety reminder

Campaigners are reminding Theresa May (MP) that the effective regulation and strict enforcement of workplace safety laws is a life-saving necessity, not a burden on business.

The grassroots Hazards Campaign wants the new prime minister deluged with old-style postcards and their e-card equivalents carrying this message.

The cards note: “We warmly welcome your determination to tackle inequalities across society. One of the most damaging inequalities is in occupational health and safety, which contributes greatly to the mortality and morbidity gulf between rich and poor.” They add: “Effective regulation and strict enforcement of safety laws saves lives. Please do not neglect them. Use Brexit to improve not erode health and safety protection for all workers.”

The initiative was launched at last week’s National Hazards Conference, where the keynote speaker was shadow chancellor John McDonnell (MP). “After a long term decline I am very worried that workplace deaths and diseases are on the rise again. Workers deserve the protection of strong employment rights, trade union rights and a safety watchdog that is up to the job,” he said. “Six years of Conservative-led government have allowed rogue bosses to exploit an increasingly insecure and abused workforce. Labour will protect people at work, rather than create a world where the likes of Sir Philip Green and Mike Ashley can get away with whatever they want. Working people earn this country’s wealth and run our public services; these are essential tasks for which no-one should pay with their life.”

Speaking on the health and safety implications of Brexit, TUC head of safety Hugh Robertson told delegates “we didn’t vote to see our rights disappear.”