To mark Workers’ Memorial Day this year, I joined local trade unionists and community leaders in Town Hall Square to reflect on the people who have tragically lost their lives or have suffered an accident through their work.

As well as remembering those who have suffered, Workers’ Memorial Day inspires us to keep fighting for decent and safe working conditions.

According to the TUC 20,000 people die every year in the UK as a result of their work and 1.9 million people of working age are living with an injury or illness cause or made worse by their work.

Yet the Conservative-LibDem Government is cutting the Health and Safety Executive’s funding by 35% over the next 3 years. The HSE will no longer be able to inspect industries the Government says are “low risk” like textiles, electrical engineering and the transport sector.

A safe and healthy working environment is not only a basic right for employees, it also makes sound business sense and is essential for making our economy more productive. That’s why I was proud to show my support for Workers Memorial Day this year.