HSE Cut Backs

Last summer HSE announced a series of cut backs. This has resulted in a loss of 151 posts so far, cuts in the HSE programme spend, and a further 100 posts to be axed. PCS HSE National Branch Chair Paula Brown said "this will seriously undermine HSE's ability to deliver, and in all likelihood increase the risks faced by UK workers. PCS members have been particularly hit by the cuts, as job losses have mainly affected admin and policy functions."

PCS HSE National Branch have launched a campaign calling on the Government to increase resources available to HSE, as previously called for in the DWP Select Committee Report of 2005.

Job numbers in HSE have fallen from 4282 in April 2002 to 3225 in March 2007. If parent Department DWP pass on the 5% year on year cuts for 2008 - 2011, as widely anticipated, HSE staff numbers are expected to fall as low as 2700. All this is set against the backdrop of a rise in the number of deaths in the construction sector. Latest figures reveal that 74 people have died on building sites already this year an increase of 14% on last year's figures.

HSE are now hoping to save money on their accomodation spend. The HSE Stoneleigh office is about to close, and there are fears that the London office is next. This could see 270 staff facing relocation, redundancy or the false hope of a transfer to other departments, where the situation is worse. Given that London has the highest number of construction sites, now is not the time to reduce the number of staff available to help regulate this risky industry.

Early Day Motion 1320 calls for further funding for the HSE. PCS Democrats support this campaign and ask that you contact your MP asking them to sign the Early Day Motion, and increase the pressure on the Government to invest in the safety of workers accross the UK.

Please send any responses any you receive to: paula.brown@hse.gsi.gov.uk

Example letter:

Dear [Insert name of MP]

I work as a civil servant in [insert name of Dep’t/workplace] and I am concerned about the way the government is treating my colleagues and I. Last May the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced that job cuts and efficiency savings were required in order to remain within existing budgets. The plan is to reduce the number of staff by 250 by March 2008.

Both my union [insert name of union] and I believe that the cuts will have a detrimental affect on this vital public service. This is because the cuts are set against the backdrop of a fall in resources and staff numbers over the last 5 years. In 2002 HSE employed 4,282 (Full Time Equivalents), by the end of February 2007 that number had fallen to 3,225.

I believe it is no coincidence that the number of building industry related deaths has risen by 14% so far this year, as per the announcement made by the HSE in March 2007. It is clear that the public are receiving a poorer Health and Safety service. Successful service delivery relies on adequate resources both in terms of frontline and support staff, in order to deliver the projects and programmes of the Health and Safety Executive and Commission, let alone meet the requirements of all H&S legislation. From Inspectors and staff who gather intelligence or keep accurate records, to those who give H&S advice, or draft policy and legislation, a properly resourced HSE is essential. Why then did the Government choose to ignore the findings of the DWP Select Committee on H&S in 2005?

I understand that the HSE has yet to conclude its’ discussion with parent department the DWP about its spending allocation for the period 2008 to 2011. It is expected that the HSE will be asked to make 5% year on year efficiencies. If so staffing levels are expected to fall to 2700, which I believe will severely compromise HSE’s ability to carry out its statutory function and will increase the risks to the public.

As a constituent I am urging you to do everything in your power to highlight my concerns and raise these issues with both DWP government ministers Lord MacKenzie and Stephen Timms, and with the Treasury. I also urge you to sign Early Day Motion 1320.

Yours sincerely,