Construction union UCATT has applauded the announcement by Peter Hain the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, that he will summon all areas of the construction industry to a forum, in order to raise safety standards.

Works and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain has announced a meeting next month between unions, employers and other construction groups to discuss the rising problem of construction safety.

The failings of the Minnesota Bridge, which has so far claimed the lives of five people and injured more that 100, would never happen in the UK, the British Constructional Steel Association has warned.

The collapse of the Minnesota bridge which has so far cost five lives is likely to lead to major changes in the way in which the country's 600,000 bridges are inspected.