A BID to improve compensation claims for those injured at work has been launched by a Glasgow MSP.
A BID to improve compensation claims for those injured at work has been launched by a Glasgow MSP.
Bill Butler Anniesland MSP, has called on the Scottish Government to implement recommendations of a Law Commission report into deaths at work.
He is proposing a members bill to take it forward, if the Government does not act, to give financial assistance for victims and their families.
The bill would standardise payments for living expenses, for people who will die as a result of their injuries, to avoid long court proceedings.
He is proposing the bill today to co-incide with Workers Memorial Day.
Mr Butler, said the current act is confusing with so many amendments being made to it and wants a speedier and less stressful procedure.
He said: "I hope all MSPs will support these reforms. I was disappointed at Kenny MacAskill's response last week when I requested he support it.
"This Bill has been drawn up by the Scottish Law Commission after many months of research, consultation and consideration and it is the right way forward.
"The Cabinet Secretary fobbed me off last week by saying he needed to consider the report further, but it was sent to him last September. I don't think that's good enough."
Mr Butler has the support of the trade union movement and the Law Commission.
Ian Tasker, assistant general secretary of the STUC said: "It is vitally important that people who suffer lethal injuries at work, and their loved ones, receive proper compensation in cases of wrongful death.
"We know compensation is not at the forefront of families' minds, but it is important they get what they need."
"A recent award of damages was made relating to Glasgow's Stockline disaster five years after those terrible events. I find that a terrible delay."
