Union leaders have praised a fresh attempt to hold company directors personally responsible for workplace deaths.
Frank Doran MP, a Labour backbencher, unveiled a ‘10 minute’ private Bill on corporate killing in the Commons last week, designed to make bosses more accountable for their employees’ deaths.
Trade unions, who have repeatedly campaigned for a corporate killing law, warmly welcomed the Bill, which will soon be put to the vote.
Under the proposed legislation, individual company directors, not just firms, will be held responsible in any civil action taken by relatives of staff killed in the workplace.
If found to be negligent, managers could face large fines or even jail sentences. Around 1,500 employees lose their life at work every year, with an estimated 40 per cent of tragedies due to employer negligence.
Business groups have opposed the corporate killing proposals, claiming that it was fairer to companies that the business has a whole, rather than individuals, should be prosecuted for negligence.
However, Tony Woodley, general secretary of the T&G union, said that Doran’s actions were “praiseworthy.”
“It is a sad fact of life that bosses are getting away with murder and will continue to do so until they realistically face the prospect of jail.
“Fines are falling whilst deaths are rising as the existing law fails both workers and their families.
“Despite a commitment now over six years outstanding, the government has so far refused to set a date for a bill that will make corporate killing an offence.
“With such blatant injustice, we have to ask what they are afraid of,” he said.
