The UK Health and Safety (Directors Duties) Bill failed to pass its second reading in Parliament on 4 March

The bill was designed to place a general duty on all company directors, as well as requiring large companies to appoint a board-level director who would be specifically responsible for health and safety.

Among those disappointed by this outcome was the Centre for Corporate Accountability, which had urged MPs to support the bill, on the basis that it would have a positive impact on the safety of companies without being too onerous on directors. The TGWU also expressed disappointment.