Construction union UCATT have described a breakfast meeting planned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to educate employment agencies and gangmasters about their health and safety duties as "window dressing".

The HSE have invited employment agencies to attend a breakfast meeting at the Belfry Hotel in Nottingham on Tuesday 27 January. The purpose of the meeting is to inform employment agencies of their duties under health and safety laws.

Steve Murphy, Regional Secretary for the UCATT Midlands region, said: "The nature of this meeting is highly disturbing. It is clear that the HSE has identified a problem with employment agencies and the care they provide to their workers, otherwise this meeting would not be deemed necessary. Employment agencies who are placing workers at risk shouldn't be given a free croissant and coffee they should be closed down."

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Construction is the most dangerous industry in Britain. Last year 72 workers were killed on construction sites. In recent years there has been a huge growth in gangmasters/employment agencies operating in the construction industry.

UCATT have been campaigning for the Gangmasters Licensing Act to be extended to the construction industry. In order for an employment agency/gangmaster to be granted a licence they have to provide evidence that they meet minimum standards on health and safety. Companies operating outside sectors covered by the GLA, do not have to meet the same requirements.

Mr Murphy, added: "Workers employed by employment agencies in the construction industry, are all too often placed on the worst jobs, with low pay and terrible conditions. Only the introduction of licensing will improve conditions and improve safety."

(CD/JM)