The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has welcomed Lord Young's findings from his review of the operation of health and safety laws and the growth of the compensation culture but insists that the opportunity to save the taxpayer millions will be lost unless its principles are applied to public sector construction procurement and the waste it causes.

Brian Berry, FMB Director of External Affairs said: "Lord Young's review is a breath of fresh air and it is good to hear the case for common sense and proportionality in health and safety management coming from the very top of Government. However, Lord Young could make an even bigger impact by addressing the way the public sector as a whole manages its health and safety responsibilities as the country’s leading construction client. As things stand the sector behaves as hundreds of little clients, many confused and trusting to a belt and braces approach to see them through."


Mr Berry continued: "Health and safety laws rightly place duties on clients to ensure that the contractors they use do not put lives at risk by skimping on essential precautions. However, at a time when the Government is making cuts and driving up efficiency in the public sector the introduction of a single procurement process for the sectors construction needs would be a more effective way to save money and time as well as setting one clear standard for public sector suppliers. If this requires legislative action then the government should be bold and take it."

(CD)