The HSE’s budget is to be cut by 35% by 2014/2015, it has been revealed.

The news was not announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review but was released on request to the Daily Mirror by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

A spokeswoman for the DWP said: “In the current economic climate, it is appropriate that HSE should be asked to reduce its costs in the same way as the rest of the public sector.

“In seeking to achieve savings of at least 35% over the SR10 period, we will share more of the cost with those businesses who create risks, while reducing burdens on low-risk businesses.

“We will consider the recommendations of Lord Young’s review and design a streamlined health and safety system that is fit for the 21st century while remaining true to the core principles set out by Lord Robens in 1972.”

Reacting to the news Alan Ritchie, general secretary of UCATT, suggested: “Any cuts in frontline services will inevitably lead to a greater number of workers being killed or injured at work. Sadly, the risks are greatest in safety critical industries such as construction.

“UCATT will be seeking assurances from the HSE that there will be no cuts in the level of frontline construction inspectors and that there will not be changes in the manner that safety laws are applied to construction.”