Labour inspectors and HSA may form super agency

PARTNERSHIP talks at Government buildings are considering the creation of a new super agency by merging the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) with the Government’s labour inspectorate.

The move is being touted as a way for the Government to meet union demands for a far tougher approach to the protection of workers rights - a prerequisite for any new partnership deal.

Although the measure is only one of several possibilities, sources confirmed that it was “in the melting pot” and may form part of an overall deal.