News brief - 15/05/20 View this email in your browser
Enforcing health and safety during the Coronavirus
As the UK begins to emerge from lockdown, with many workplaces set to reopen over the next two months, how can the health and safety stipulations required for a Covid-secure workplace be enforced?
This week, three experts weigh on that question. Professor Phil James asks who is taking leadership for health and safety regulation - the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the government? He points out that the HSE appear to be parroting the government's line despite the fact this contradicts with advice given elsewhere.
Professor Steve Tombs questions the Prime Minister's promise, made to the House on Monday (11 May 2020), that the compliance of employers with Coronavirus-secure working practices would be enforced through 'spot checks' performed by the HSE. As Professor Tombs points out, the HSE has faced such swingeing cuts since 2010 that the statistically average workplace can expect an inspection only once every 275 years.
In a new briefing for the IER, Professors David Lewis and Phil James examine the laws that exist to protect whistleblowers who speak out over health and safety breaches, which may apply during the Coronavirus crisis. They also warn of the limits of the law and detail the role of trade unions.
See all the IER's Coronavirus analysis in one place
FREE: Two new webinars from the IER - booking up fast!
After the success of last week's Health and safety at work - stay safe! webinar, the IER is pleased to announce two more.
All delegates must register ahead of the event and both are booking up fast. See the details of both events and book your place below.
Register your place
Register your place
WATCH: IER webinar Health and Safety at Work - Stay Safe! in full
Coronavirus at work: Where is the regulatory leadership?
The HSE appears to be parroting government advice, even where it contradicts other guidelines. Phil James discusses the lack of leadership over workplace health and safety during the Covid-19 crisis.
Read the full report
In search of the Covid-secure workplace
If the average workplace will only be inspected once every 275 years, how does Boris expect these Covid 'spot checks' to work? Professor Steve Tombs compares the Prime Minister's promises to hard facts.
Read the full report
Whistleblowing about health and safety concerns: some comments about what the law does and does not provide for workers
A detailed briefing by Professors Dave Lewis and Phil James examines the laws that exist to protect whistleblowers who speak out on health and safety breaches, as well as their limits.
Read the full report
Featured publication - free to subscribers and on sale to non-subscribers from just £4
Read more and get your copy
IER and Covid-19
Due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus disease and the need to keep our staff, supporters and speakers safe, IER have decided to postpone all forthcoming IER events and meetings until further notice, including both Health and safety at work after Brexit conferences in Liverpool and London, the IER Executive Committee, IER AGM and our joint event with the Campaign for Trade Union Freedom on 6th June.
IER staff will continue to work, but remotely from home. We will answer emails, produce publications and circulate our weekly News Briefs and other on-line information. However, phone calls to the office or mail sent by post will not receive immediate attention.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and wish you all best wishes during this difficult time.
Copyright © 2020 Institute of Employment Rights, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website or signed up at an IER event.
Our mailing address is:
Institute of Employment Rights4th Floor Jack Jones House1 IslingtonLiverpool, Merseyside L3 8EG United Kingdom
Add us to your address book
Want to change how you receive these emails?
Unsubscrbe from these emails by following the instructions at the bottom of this email or forwarding it to sarah at ier.org.uk
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://mailman.gn.apc.org/pipermail/ier-elist/attachments/20200515/9248f467/attachment-0001.html>