A BLACKPOOL trade unionist is calling on the TUC to launch a one-day strike after official figures revealed a staggering 96 per cent of workplace injuries were never investigated.

Royston Jones, president of Blackpool Trades Union Council - the TUC's local representative body - called for the repeal of the anti-union laws introduced by the former government, and demanded more protection for working people on the 25th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Mr Jones told a recent trades council meeting at Blackpool Trades Club: "Work is unhealthy and official figures show work-related injuries and illnesses cost £18 billion a year.

"But the Institute of Employment Rights has shown only four per cent of major injuries are investigated."

Mr Jones also added: "No director or manager of a company has been prosecuted for workplace injury or death between 1996 and 1998 and we should call for co-operation with bosses rather than confrontation on these issues.

"We represent working people and there must be stronger laws to protect them

"With disgraceful figures like these the TUC should be calling a one-day strike to highlight the fact we are not prepared to stand for any more."

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