The Government's response to proposals for the official recognition of Workers Memorial Day

This paper summarizes the responses to the proposals outlined in the consultation paper "Cm. 7563" (July 2009, ISBN 9780101756327) and gives the Government's response.

The vast majority of respondents supported the proposals in whole or in part.

There was particularly strong support for the consultation's two overarching proposals that the UK should recognize Workers Memorial Day and that recognition should take effect from 28 April 2010.

In response, the Government will officially recognize Workers Memorial Day from 28 April 2010.

The approach will be non-prescriptive, honouring the 'spirit' of the Day, making it a day of mourning and a forward-looking day of action to address the continuing risks to workplace health and safety.

Further support was evident for specific options for commemorating the day: Government websites promoting the Day; ministers being actively involved in the commemorations; and, workplace commemorations.

The Government will implement these proposals.