Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Retained EU Law Bill, whether he plans to (a) retain and (b) replace the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (S.I.1999/3242) ); and what plans his Department has to discuss those Regulations with industry.

With the introduction of the Retained EU Law (REUL) Bill, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) remains focused on ensuring that regulatory frameworks maintain the United Kingdom’s high standards of health and safety protection and continue to reduce burdens for business. HSE’s approach aligns closely with the Government’s pledge to do more for business to help promote growth by removing disproportionate burdens and simplifying the regulatory landscape. Our standards of health and safety protections are among the highest in the world.

HSE will continue to review its retained EU Law to seek opportunities to reduce business burdens and promote growth without reducing health and safety standards. HSE will engage with stakeholders as appropriate.