Site inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have fallen by 14% over the last 12 months.

According to new figures obtained by union Unite, in 2016/17 there were 7,912 inspections, down from 9,219 in 2015/16. This trend follows a 4% decrease in 2014/15.

In addition, plans are in place to cut the organisation's funding by 46%, compared to what the organisation received in 2010, by 2020.

While all regions experienced a decline in inspections, Scotland was the only area which saw an increase (+9%).

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Unite said it has now written to the HSE and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Gauke, asking for meetings over the issue.

Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail, said: "These figures are alarming as they demonstrate a huge decrease in vital lifesaving inspections. Sadly there remain far too many employers who are all too willing to cut safety regulations and it is only the genuine prospect of an unannounced inspection which keeps them in check.

"The government has slashed funding for the HSE and it is clear that it is increasingly struggling to make ends meet. With a new secretary of state in place Unite and our members need to know what plans he has for the HSE and safety laws.

"We also need answers from the HSE about whether they are taking steps to redress this fall in inspections and whether there are specific reasons for these reductions."

(LM/MH)