date: Tuesday 29 April 2003 embargo: Immediate release

Attention: Health and safety media

EEF cannot evade their health and safety responsibilities

Responding to criticism today from the Engineering Employers Federation (Tuesday) of government plans to recover the costs of workplace accidents through the employers' liability insurance system, Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary Elect, said:

"The EEF should stop whinging and face up to their responsibilities as employers. They should pay a little more attention to promoting health and safety at work, and spend a little less time trying to evade the consequences of their actions. Even after the Department of Health makes these changes, employers will still be paying less for the injuries and illnesses which they cause than victims or taxpayers."

Notes to Editors:

All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access

pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

A series of TUC rights leaflets are available on our website and from the know your rights line 0870 600 4 882. Lines are open every day from 8am-10pm. Calls are charged at the national rate.

Contacts:

Media enquiries: 020 7467 1248 or 07699 744115 (pager) or email media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 29 Apr 2003