date: 23 December 2002 embargo: 00.01 hrs, Tuesday, 7 January 2003

Attention: London media

Work is grim in London, reveals TUC survey

London’s workers face the worst health and safety conditions in the country, according to a TUC survey of workplace union safety reps published today (Tuesday). London’s workplaces were top for problems with violence and threats, long hours of work, display screen equipment, and the fatal asbestos fibre. London was also bullying capital of Britain, with rates 40% higher than average.

The main issues of concern in the capital were:

• overwork and stress - 59% of workplaces;

• display screen equipment (DSE) - 43% of workplaces - the highest figure in Britain;

• violence and threats - 37% of workplaces - the highest figure in Britain;

• long hours - 36% of workplaces - the highest figure in Britain; and

• repetitive strain injuries (RSI) - 36% of workplaces.

• Worse still, London’s employers were rated the worst in Great Britain for carrying out the most basic legal requirement - assessing the risks of work so that action can be taken to prevent injury and illness at work. Just 38% of the capital’s employers had carried out a risk assessment considered by union safety reps to be adequate, compared with the national average of 50%.

TUC General Secretary-elect Brendan Barber said:

'London’s employers need to get their act together if they want to be premier league players - at the moment they’re in the relegation zone. Workers in the capital are facing appalling stresses due to long hours and violence, yet these are all problems that employers can control. We need healthier workplaces for a wealthier future.'

Notes to Editors:

434 safety reps in the region took part in the national survey, which the TUC conducts every two years. The full survey, Health and safety 2002, is published on 7 January as part of the TUC’s Trade Union Trends series. Copies are available priced £30 from TUC Publications (0207 467 1294).

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Contacts:

Media enquiries: Liz Chinchen on 020 7467 1248 or 07699 744115 (pager) or email lchinchen@tuc.org.uk

Other enquiries: Owen Tudor on 07788 715261 (mobile) or otudor@tuc.org.uk

Press release (500 words) issued 7 Jan 2003