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date: 7 October 2005

embargo: Immediate release

TUC launches apprenticeship health and safety leaflet

The TUC today (Friday) launches a new health and safety leaflet for union safety representatives about the role of the modern apprenticeship. Over a quarter of a million young people are involved in apprenticeship schemes in workplaces throughout the country.

The leaflet, produced with the Learning and Skills Council, provides guidance for safety representatives to ensure that apprentices and other trainees work in a safe environment and are given adequate support and training. In the past two years, 10 young people on government funded learning schemes have been killed at work.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'The tragic deaths of 10 young people in the past two years were all avoidable. Everyone at work should be fully aware of the health and safety procedures and legislation that are in place to protect them.

'Union safety representatives do a wonderful job keeping staff safe at work. This leaflet will help them better understand the role of the modern apprentice and will ensure apprentices know there is someone specifically tasked with looking out for their safety at work.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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

- The leaflet can be downloaded at http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/Apprenticeships.pdf

- 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 9am-9pm. Calls are charged at the national rate.

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Dan Ashley T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07880 504846; E: dashley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 7 Oct 2005