Trade unionists to hold service for those who died at work

Organised by Rotherham Trade Union Council, the event will mark Workers’ Memorial Day and is part of international activity to emphasise the importance of safety in the workplace.

This year the theme for the day is “removing exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace”.

A service at Rotherham Minster at 10.30am will be followed by a wreath-laying and speeches at 12 noon.

Pat Keenan, chairman of Rotherham TUC, said: “Up to 20,000 people die each year from work-related diseases and about 5,000 from asbestos-related diseases alone.

“In the UK each year about 15,000 people are killed while doing their jobs, including those killed on the roads while working.”

Commemorations will be held throughout the world on Tuesday, including a one minute’s silence in workplaces at noon.

“We encourage all workers to join a trade union and organise to protect themselves and their colleagues from harm,” said Mr Keenan.