Construction union UCATT is calling on the Government to urgently rethink its plans to cut the funding of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after new annual figures revealed a steep rise in deaths.

Figures released by the HSE reveal that deaths of workers in the construction industry increased by 22%. There were 50 deaths of workers in 2010/11 compared to 41 in 2009/10. The total number of deaths in all industries increased by 16% from 147 to 171.

George Guy, Acting General Secretary of UCATT, said: "These latest figures must serve as an urgent wake up call for the Government and their policy of cutting safety laws and legislation. This rise in deaths occurred before the Government's cuts kicked in. By slashing the HSE’s budget and the organisation’s effectiveness the Government are in reality giving a green light to business to avoid taking safety laws seriously.

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"Confirmation of the increase in fatalities came just a day after Employment Minister Chris Grayling launched the 'Red Tape Challenge' where he urged the public and business leaders to “directly change the laws underpinning Britain's health and safety culture."

Mr Guy, added: "The Government's constant attacks on safety laws are sickening. The simple fact is that in dangerous industries like construction, there aren't too many regulations. There isn't too high a level of enforcement. There simply isn't enough. Every single day workers are facing unnecessary dangers as basic safety laws are ignored."

(CD/KMcA)