Just how painful is this recession?

The recession will not lead to a reduction in investment in health and safety for companies, according to health and safety minister Lord McKenzie of Luton.

Speaking at last month's IOSH conference, he explained that the current economic situation would mean "testing" times ahead, but there would be no let up of "duties around health and safety".

Has your health and safety role changed due to the current economic climate? Have there been redundancies within your department? We want to hear how the recession is affecting industry. Add your comments here.

New Year

We recently ran a poll on HSP on the MEPs' vote to scrap the working time opt-out and the results were interesting. A record number of you voted, with the majority siding with Gordon Brown in that you don't want to see it abolished in the UK.

In the current economic climate, many of us are worried about our jobs. We are currently running a poll on job security, asking how many health and safety professionals believe their jobs are safe this year. Tell us if you think yours is by voting in this week's poll.

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