Cancellation of Hazards Conference 2020
It will probably come as no surprise that the Hazards Campaign has cancelled the Hazards Conference 2020 due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.
We were and still are hoping that the spread of the virus will subside by then, but we also have to recognise that public events are now being cancelled and we cannot predict what the situation will be like by July, and with such uncertainty the recruitment and sponsorship for the conference will be detrimentally impacted. That along with the likelihood of a second wave hitting the UK in the autumn, means we will not be able to hold it even later in the year.
Many of you will realise this will have a major financial impact on the Hazards Campaign and the Greater Manchester Hazards Centre, GMHC, which runs the secretariat and organises and runs the annual Hazards Conference on behalf of the Hazards Campaign.
The Hazards Campaign is a network of hazards organisations, union safety reps and officers, asbestos groups and activists, and has no secure funding.
The annual Hazards Conference, which relies on generous financial sponsorship from the trade union movement, helps to fund Hazards Campaign work throughout the year in promoting and resourcing International Workers Memorial Day, speaking at union conferences, seminars, branch meetings and on TUC and Union health and safety training courses across the UK, running specific national campaigns such as the Trade Union Clean Air Network and lobbying and campaigning on all issues affecting workers’ lives and health.
GMHC is a not for profit organisation with no secure annual income other than what we raise annually from grants and fee paying work on behalf of the union movement, and a large proportion of that income is linked to the organisation of the annual Hazards Conference
GMHC provides free advice to workers and reps on health and safety issues, and supports families of workers killed at work. In part we receive payment for work carried out on behalf of the trade union movement, for delivering specialist training, information sheets, delivering conferences, health and safety updates etc.
All this is being impacted by the current situation as is the work of trade unions, branches and workers in all sectors across the economy.
Coronaviorus threatens the lives, health, livelihoods and security of millions of workers and their families across the UK. We obviously understand all organisations are facing many hurdles and you have our sincere sympathy. Many workers will be facing much worse in coming months and we will provide as much support as we can.
We are exploring different options to continue our work supporting trade unions and safety reps. We will need to make a separate financial appeal in the near future, to enable our organisation to continue over the next 12 months. Most of you will know we work on a shoestring and much of the support is provided on a voluntary basis.
Many trade union branches, regions and national bodies have already provided sponsorship for this year’s conference and we are politely requesting your organisation defers this sponsorship so that money can be transferred to next year’s conference, Hazards 2021, rather than having to reimburse you. If this is not possible please email us and we will arrange for the money to be returned.
It is with extremely heavy heart that we make this decision. This would have been the 31st Hazards Conference and we know that many safety reps and officers value this event. We are extremely sorry that serious events beyond our control have forced us to make this decision. We would also like to record our thanks for your continued support and hope that you will appreciate the difficult decision we have had to make. We will continue to campaign and stand in solidarity with trade union reps and trade unions.
Thank you and Solidarity Greetings!
Janet Newsham
on behalf of Hazards Campaign Secretariat
Janet Newsham Coordinator of GMHC Acting Chair of Hazards Campaign
Temporarily based at: 177 Watling Street Road, Fulwood, Preston PR2 8AE
Tel: 07734 317 158 Email: janet@gmhazards.org.uk
