Legislation receives Commons' backing

The Health and Safety (Offences) Bill, which aims to increase the penalties for those caught breaching workplace safety rules, has been backed by MPs.

Introduced by former housing minister Keith Hill, the legislation will now pass to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.

The bill aims to increase the fines judges are allowed to impose on companies who neglect their health and safety duties from £5,000 to £20,000 as well as allowing more cases to be tried in the lower courts.

In addition, judges will be able to sentence individuals to prison terms should they deserve it.

The legislation, Mr Hill told MPs, will hold businesses accountable and protect people's safety from bosses looking to save money by ignoring their health and safety duties.

"My Bill will ensure appropriate punishment for those who are negligent or would seek to cut costs by infringing health and safety arrangements," he said.

The law will amend section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which states how much a judge can fine a firm.