ASTHMA AT WORK YOUR CHARTER REPORT

Early day motion 1659, tabled 15 September 2004 by Stephen Hesford (Labour). Signed by 51 members.

That this House welcomes the Asthma at Work - Your Charter published by Asthma UK that sets out 10 steps significantly to reduce the impact of asthma in the workplace and notes that the Charter is supported by a coalition of employers, employees and health professionals in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; further notes that the Charter is founded on the belief that no one should have to work in an environment that makes them ill, and covers both occupational asthma and pre-existing asthma at work and the aim of the Charter is to make sure people do not suffer discrimination and receive full and fair protection of the law; regrets that the Health and Safety Executive estimates that 1,500 to 3,000 new cases of occupational asthma arise every year, but this rises to 7,000 cases a year if asthma made worse by work is included; calls on Her Majesty's Government to raise awareness of occupational asthma and to encourage Government departments to sign up to the Charter and ensure that people do not have to endure discomfort or make the choice between their health and their job; and commends Asthma UK for encouraging organisations to sign up to the Charter.

Signatures by party: Labour 31, Liberal Democrat 10, DUP 4, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 2, UUP 1.