A poll conducted for the TUC has shown that despite the fact that employers are legally obliged to provide it, 37% of 15-24-year-olds have not received any health and safety training. Those working part-time are even less likely to have received any briefing on health and safety.

The poll also highlights the fact that young people are often unaware of their rights to a safe workplace, and that they can demand health and safety training if their job requires it.

Currently in Britain ten young workers are seriously injured at work every week. The TUC cites the case of Darren Bratt, 22, who lost his fingers in an accident involving a metal press at work. Darren had been working for the firm for three years but was expected to work in the press shop without any formal training.

The TUC wants The Health and Safety Executive to carry out random checks on companies to ensure that young people are getting the training they need.