Deregulation is threatening workers' health and safety

Brussels, 02/12/2011

Although the ETUC recognises the important contribution made by SMEs to create jobs and growth, it opposes the proposal to exempt them from EU legislation.

Exempting small companies carrying out low risk activities from producing a written risk assessment, as proposed by the Commission, is a threat to workers' health and safety.

Furthermore, the ETUC insists that any review of legislation concerning employment and social policy must involve the social partners. The ETUC calls on the Council not to support further deregulation and to take action to protect working conditions, equal treatment and fundamental rights.

- ETUC letter to the EU Heads of State and Government: http://www.etuc.org/IMG/pdf/Letter_to_European_Council_Dec_2011.pdf