29 May 2004 - Better Routes to Redress Report Explores "Compensation Culture" in the UK
The publication of a Better Regulation Task Force report named Better Routes to Redress has been welcomed by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC). The HSC comments that the report explores why some think that the UK has a “compensation culture” and “the damage that this perception could do to the prosperity and well-being of the UK if it is not tackled”.
The HSC also says that the report "considers how people with genuine grievances can have better access to redress, mediation and rehabilitation, making recommendations about how these processes can be improved."
The report supports HSC's view, as held in its strategy for workplace health and safety - HSC strategy for workplace health and safety in Great Britain to 2010, that appropriate health and safety management is an integral part of effective business management and, as such, is an enabler and not a hindrance. It also commends HSC's plans to simplify the concept of risk assessment to make it relevant and available to all.
Bill Callaghan, Chair of HSC commented:
“I am delighted that the Better Regulation Task Force’s report dispels the myth of the compensation culture. I also welcome the report’s support for our policy that sensible risk management is the best way to prevent litigation or the threat of litigation.”
Better Routes to Redress is published by the Better Regulation Task Force and can be found on their website here.
