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Attention: industrial, transport, home affairs and legal correspondents

TUC welcomes Hatfield prosecutions

Commenting on the news today (Wednesday) that rail managers are to face corporate manslaughter charges over the Hatfield rail crash, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Like the train travelling public, unions want to see better health and safety on the railways. The main reason why people are concerned is the continuing failure to manage the railways properly.

'There is a lack of understanding of risk management principles, a lack of accountability and a proliferation of sub contracting which only compounds the lack of clarity of roles and responsibilities. Employees in the industry are not given the respect they deserve by a management structure which is confused, almost risk illiterate and unaccountable.

'Corporate manslaughter charges will go to the heart of the problem because they will focus on management accountability. But past cases, including the Southall prosecution have failed because of the current state of the law, and this case too will face enormous challenges.'

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

Press release (400 words) issued 9 Jul 2003