Convictions 'will be easier under Corporate Manslaughter Act'

The new Corporate Manslaughter Act will make it easier for prosecutors to secure a conviction against employers, one expert has claimed.

Ian Mayers, a partner at law firm Mills and Reeve, told The Business the law removes obstacles that had previously existed to securing a successful prosecution against companies, although senior managers and directors will not "be in the dock themselves".

"The big effect of this act is that when there is a death ion the workplace, it will be far easier for the regulator to get a conviction against the corporation and the responsible body - often the employer - rather than what went before," he said.

Mr Mayers told the news provider the legislation talks about investigations looking into the activities or failings of senior management figures and should their actions be deemed negligent or responsible for a person's death it will more than likely lead to a prosecution.

Recently, Norman Selwyn, a leading authority in employment law, claimed there are likely to be around 12 corporate manslaughter prosecutions each year as a result of the new law.