To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the rate of accidents among (a) temporary, (b) short-term, (c) low-qualified and (d) permanent workers were in each year since 1997. (188388)

Figures from the labour force survey (LFS) for the three-year period 2003-04 to 2005-06 indicate that the average rate of reportable accidents for all workers (which includes temporary, short-term and permanent workers) is 1,090 per 100,000 workers. The figure for workers in occupations requiring few or no qualifications is 2,070 per 100,000 workers. The structure of questions in the LFS does not allow reliable comparison of separate accident rates for temporary, short-term and permanent workers. The aforementioned rates quoted are not available for each year requested without incurring disproportionate cost.