Commenting on developments on corporate homicide, STUC Deputy General Secretary Grahame Smith said:
“The decisions of the Labour Conference in Manchester this week offer the opportunity of strengthening the Westminster Bill on Corporate Manslaughter, particularly in holding individual directors to account if their negligent behaviour results in the death of a member of the public or a worker.
“This development is helpful given that legal wrangling within the Scottish Executive has forced Karen Gillon, for the time being, to shelve her proposals for legislation by the Scottish Parliament.
“Karen Gillon has been tireless in her efforts to ensure the surviving family of Andrew and Janette Findlay and their two children at least a shred of comfort following their deaths in the Larkhall Gas explosion. It is unfortunate that the legal quagmire that has surrounded this issue and pressure of time have conspired to prevent her having her proposals made law at this time.
“The STUC is determined, as is Karen, that legislation be introduced to bring justice to bereaved families by holding both negligent companies and individuals to account for their actions.
“We will be working with Karen in the period ahead to secure appropriate changes to the Westminster Bill and to have its impact on Scotland fully considered by the Scottish Parliament.
“We will also be considering proposals for legislation by the Scottish Parliament in the future that will achieve our objectives should that be necessary.”
Ends
For further information contact Grahame Smith 0141 337 8100 Or Ian Tasker 0141 337 8100