date: 28 April 2009

embargo: For immediate release

TUC welcomes workers' memorial day announcement

Welcoming the announcement that the Government is to launch a consultation into whether workers' memorial day - which takes place today (Tuesday) - should have official recognition in future years, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Workers' memorial day is a major event on the trade union calendar and is marked in hundreds of workplaces and by memorial services up and down the country, as well as by many local authorities.

'Official recognition of the day would acknowledge the terrible toll that work has placed on many families whose loved ones have been killed at work or more slowly through a disease caused by their work. It will also act as a reminder of the need to ensure that action is taken to ensure that such deaths are prevented in the future.'

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Press release (300 words) issued 28 Apr 2009