The Independent reports that there are moves to make employers pay for NHS treatment for employees injured at work through negligence.

According to the paper, a consultative document announced by Health Minister David Lammy lays out details of the scheme which would make employers liable for the full costs of treating an injury caused by negligence at work, which could raise £220m a year for the NHS.

Mr Lammy is quoted as saying: “This scheme will not introduce any more regulations for business but it is unacceptable that taxpayers have to pay for the medical treatment of someone injured at work simply because employers fail to take adequate steps to protect their workforce. By having to bear the cost of treating those injured in the workplace employers will have another incentive to reduce risks to their workforce and the public at large.”

There are concerns that the proposal is likely to increased costs of employer’s liability insurance, but employers who meet their health and safety obligations may find themselves in a better position and this could help to encourage more responsible behaviour from employers.