SCOTTISH Labour’s Mark Griffin has launched a new Bill to support those injured in the workplace.

The Central Scotland MSP launched the Employment Injuries Advisory Council Bill at the Scottish Parliament today. 

Mr Griffin wants to set up a new advisory council that would have powers to conduct research into long-term illness in modern workplaces, to improve work safety as well as better tailor benefits to victims.

He said: “The devolution of employment injury benefits is a chance to deliver a system that is truly fit for purpose.

“The Scottish government must back this Bill, use its new powers, and deliver a council that puts workers’ voices at the heart of the new benefit.”

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “We are pleased to support Mark Griffin’s Bill which aims to empower workers and offers hope to those who have been injured during the course of their workplace duties.

“With increased powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament, government ministers should be seeking to ensure our Parliament provides dignity and fairness to every worker.

“Workers will suffer in silence no longer and, through the proposed Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council, they can have their voices heard.”