The Government has again opened itself up to criticism for failing to pursue legislation on corporate killing (3 September). Constant delays put the Government, particularly the Home Office, in a bad light and only add to the concern felt by many. While the business community may be breathing a sigh of relief, Labour Party members and trade unionists can point to another missed opportunity, especially as the number of deaths in the workplace continues to rise.
However, while many may look at the Government’s delays on this issue as an example of a failure to control the behaviour of the corporate sector, they also need to appreciate that if the legislation is not drafted properly, its impact could be wider than intended. In particular, the public sector could be drawn into its scope and could make, for instance, the NHS and educational establishments liable to prosecution.
While Labour appears set to win the next election, it will no doubt do so with a reduced majority and will still face an Opposition majority in a largely unreformed House of Lords. If Labour did have the political confidence to introduce corporate killing legislation now, the prospects of a successful passage post-election is slim.
Evening Standard, 6 September 2004