Skip to main content
Legal news

Government to cut the number of health and safety inspections

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
2 min read

The Work and Pensions Minister Chris Grayling will this week announce a number of changes to health and safety inspections which will cut by a third the number currently undertaken.

As part of a “go for growth” budget to be launched next month, the government will announce that automatic practice inspections should only apply to high risk areas such as energy, nuclear sites and chemical industries, thus reducing the number of automatic inspections by about 11,000.

The changes will also target those firms who pose a danger to others by making them pay the costs of investigations which subsequently show that they are in breach of the law. The minister says that the moves will go some way towards achieving a balance between protecting employees in the workplace and ensuring that needless bureaucracy does not stifle economic growth.

The changes are part of a package of measures aimed at reducing the budget of the Health and Safety Executive by 35% by 2014/15, which will be joined by measures to relax employment laws for small businesses. Grayling will undertake an intensive review of all health and safety laws in the workplace which will report in the autumn and will build on work already having been completed by Lord Young, the Prime Minister’s former health and safety advisor.

The proposals have already been given a cautious welcome by David Frost, the director general of the British Chamber of Commerce, who said: “Simplifying and codifying health and safety laws will help employers spend less time on tick box exercises, and more time focusing on growing their businesses.”

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/mar/21/health-safety-inspections-cut-third

Client feedback

Very helpful and promptly anwsers emails as soon as.
Anonymous
Many of my family members have used Winstons Solicitors for their conyancing, over many years. I too have now used them and they did not disappoint. Samantha Robertson-Strong and Paulo Dos Santos were my main persons of contact. They were highly professional and very thorough, whilst maintaining an air of friendliness and approachability throughout. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Mr T
Monika is extremely trustworthy, professional and experienced. Have very much felt in safe hands during a very difficult and stressful time of my life. Would highly recommend.
Zoe
Good Solicitors, helped couple times. Nice comunicion and people
Tadas
My son recently purchased a property. I had used Winston Solicitors for many years and had no hesitation in recommending them to him. Their service is outstanding; very professional yet friendly and approachable. Samantha is awesome. She always does a thorough job. Paulo, her assistant, has been an absolute pleasure to deal with as well. So a huge thumbs up and many thanks all around! - October 2025
J Thompson, Manchester
This was a stressful (and as it was a property purchase caused by divorce), very emotional. Samantha and Paulo were always very kind and patient. - October 2025
Dawn B, London
I recently used Winston Solicitors for the purchase of my first home and was extremely impressed with the service. My solicitor, Leasa, along with her assistant, Julie, were outstanding throughout the process—thorough, accommodating, and always patient in explaining each step clearly. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable, always going above and beyond to support me. I truly appreciated their professionalism and personal approach, and I would not hesitate to recommend Winston Solicitors to anyone - I cannot thank you all enough. - September 2025
A Woods, Ryton
Professional & thorough throughout conveyancing process. Efficient communication & timely updates from Amr & Joe. Would not hesitate to use their services again. Highly recommend. - September 2025 
Elizabeth M, Leeds
Contact Jonathan