LOBBYING FOR CHANGE
June 1st 2007 Hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety, which the Federation sponsors, the BSIF mounted a reception at the House of Commons to lobby for parliamentary support for several issues which, it believes, need national solutions. Michael Clapham, Chair of the APG, welcomed MPs and guests and invited Geoff Hooke of the BSIF to make a brief address.
Geoff noted the inclusive nature of the APG and the relationship it now has with its joint sponsor, the TUC, and the fact that the BSIF has always enjoyed a good working relationship with government departments. He emphasised that it is important for organisations to talk to MPs to ensure that a balanced approach is maintained and that no specific political implications can be drawn from the positions it has in respect of health and safety. Geoff commented that mischievous reportage in some of the media was increasing costs to society, resulting in increased insurance premiums when there is no increase in the risks. "We have been staggered to learn that up to 40% of business insurance premiums are the result of compensation expectations and that up to 27% of local rates are budgeted for the same purpose. Clearly, we are all paying a heavy price for unco-ordinated good intentions," he said.
The BSIF regrets the fact that VAT on PPE penalises those who can least afford it and that anyone who is not registered for VAT pays a 17.5% penalty when they purchase PPE. Most PPE is purchased commercially as an ‘overhead’ and not as a raw material. The VAT is, therefore, usually subject to full reclaim, without added value and with no net gain to the treasury. "It seems immoral that the general public, the self-employed and the unregistered worker should pay a 17.5% premium for protection when companies pay less." The BSIF believes that a national campaign should be mounted to improve awareness of PPE and the way in which it is selected. In closing, Geoff said "In mounting this reception, the BSIF hopes it can start a process that will lead to a more informed approach to occupational safety and health.”
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