LAST DITCH ATTEMPT TO SAVE BARE CHESTED BUILDERS FROM BRUSSELS TAN BAN

2.16.44pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 2nd Sep 2005

Bare-chested Builders and other outdoor workers could be forced to cover up if the European Council, Commission and Socialists get their way.

Liz Lynne, Liberal Democrat MEP and ALDE Shadow Rapporteur on Optical Radiation directive speaking before the crucial vote on this anti-sun directive which is in Strasbourg on Wednesday said "It is no business of the EU to decide whether a worker can be bare-chested or wear shorts."

"This was a ludicrous proposal from the Commission and brings the EU in to further disrepute. How can anyone possibly think that we can legislate against the sun in the workplace?"

"Yes everyone should be told about over exposure to sunlight but it should not be an employer's responsibility.

"How would you know whether a worker had contracted skin cancer from the workplace, back garden or the beach?"

"Imagine the language if a worker was told to cover up if they were trying to get a tan for their holiday".

Notes To Editors

We won the vote on a compromise in Committee to allow Member States to decide whether to include natural radiation in an otherwise sensible directive on artificial radiation. Unfortunately the Socialists are intent on making workers cover up by rejecting the compromise so Liz Lynne is seeking to have natural radiation taken out from the directive completely. As a fall back position she is still working to obtain support for the idea of leaving it up to Member States.

MEPs are debating the Optical Radiation Directive on Tuesday 6th September with the vote scheduled for the following day.