Iain has today joined with Edwin Jeffries, President, Hartlepool Trades Union Council to applaud the Government’s decision to officially recognise Workers Memorial Day in the UK.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper announced today that the country will officially commemorate thousands of people who have died, been seriously injured or made ill through their work.

This follows the Government’s consultation in July to explore options for official recognition of the day, which gained widespread support.

This year, the UK will join the many other countries around the world that officially recognise the Day on 28 April, the International Day of Action for Safety and Health at Work. Formal recognition will reinforce the significance of the Day and raise awareness of the number of people who are killed, disabled, injured or made unwell through their work.

Iain said:

“I’m really pleased that the Government has decided that the UK will officially recognise Workers Memorial Day. Hartlepool has led the North East, if not the country, in remembering those workers who have lost their lives or fallen ill through their employment. The ceremony in Hartlepool has grown year on year and is a moving focal point for families and co-workers to remember friends and loved ones and to work for justice for those still suffering. It is thanks to the hard work of Hartlepool Trades Union Council, who contributed to the consultation, and other trade unionists, that the UK will now officially recognise this important day.”

Edwin Jeffries, President of the Hartlepool Trade Unions Council, said:

“I am delighted that the UK Government has listened to the wishes of the people through the consultation process and has given Workers Memorial Day the official recognition it deserves. A Workers Memorial Day Service & Wreath Laying Ceremony has been organised in Hartlepool by Hartlepool Trades Union Council since 1999 and has been held on the official day of April 28th since 2000. This years event to be held on Wednesday 28th April, 12.30pm, Christchurch, Church Square, will include speakers Keith Norman, General Secretary, ASLEF: Phil Davison, Browell Smith & Co, Solicitors: Geoff Fletcher, Branch Secretary, Prospect HSE Inspectorate branch and Simon Kennedy, Regional Organiser, NASUWT . Everybody is welcome to attend. Employees who have died through Industrial Accident or Disease whilst trying to earn an honest living for themselves and their families are not publicly remembered on any other day.”

Work and Pensions Secretary of State Yvette Cooper said:

“I am delighted to announce that the UK will officially recognise Workers Memorial Day. This is a tribute to all those who have campaigned long and hard, including bereaved families, trade unions, campaign groups, and many other organisations and individuals.
“For the first time, the UK will join countries across the globe in remembrance of all those killed at work and for the families they have left behind, and the many more who have been harmed. It is also a spur to greater efforts to improve health and safety for today’s and tomorrow’s working population.”
While the UK has one of the best health and safety records in the world, official figures show that 180 people were killed at work last year and over 27,000 suffered major injury. Around 8,000 each year die from occupational cancers and lung diseases.
There have been an increasing number of commemorative events in the UK in recent years as Workers Memorial Day has become a focal point for bereaved families, unions, campaign organisations and local authorities among others. As more people have become involved in these events, there has been growing support for formal recognition of the Day.
Commemorations will continue to be led by individuals, employers, trade unions and community organisations. In keeping with the outcome of the consultation, the Government will encourage commemorations to be held on the day itself throughout the UK. The Government and Ministers will help support and promote these commemorations.