GMHC hosted the annual International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) event in Central Manchester on 28th April 2026. The event saw trade union activists, workers and the general public commemorate those who have died due to work, alongside affected families, loved ones and friends.
As in previous years the event opened with a stirring recording of Ordinary Rebel by the late Claire Mooney. Claire was a regular live singer at the Manchester event and her musical poetry continues to touch many in 2026. Marie and William from GMHC highlighted the theme for the year 'psychosocial hazards at work' and introduced the speakers for the next hour.
Phil Liptrot from Thompsons Solicitors talked on the theme, particularly on the impact on individual workers as well as the loss, grieving and injustices faced by their families.
James Ratcliffe from USDAW talked about the psychosocial hazards in retail, warehouses and logistics where his reps report an upsurge in retail crime and violence.
Joel Sloan from Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Group relayed the ongoing issues with toxic dust at work and the legacy of asbestos as well as the impact on those closest to the workers affected.
Finally, Blessing Bondze a UNISON rep who has been tirelessly campaigning for better safety outcomes for migrant workers struck a chord through her vivid account from the care sector.
A mini street play called 'The Mandatory Relaxation Station' followed which took an irreverent take on the theme of the event.
The annual reading of the names of those who have died in the North West as a result of work was followed by the FACK Statement by Dawn Adams and Hilda Palmer then minute of silence.
Commemorating those we have lost in the North West over the last year:
- 13.5.25 Anthony Lamb, Carlisle (Services)
- 8.6.25 Anthony Stapleton, Rochdale (Construction)
- 8.9.25 Daniel Burns, Liverpool (Manufacturing)
- 15.9.25 Andrew Dale, Blackpool (Services)
- 17.9.25 Richard Makulis, Trafford (Water & Waste)
- 30.9.25 Andrew Blundell, Liverpool (Services)
- 8.10.25 Susan McKeown, Wirral (Manufacturing)
- 7.11.25 Paul Squirrel, Ellesmere Port (Construction)
- 16.12.25 Doreen Middleton, Fylde (Services)
- 5.1.26 Julie Henry, Wirral (Manufacturing)
- 9.1.26 Lukasz Podsadzy, Cumbria (Manufacturing)
- 11.1.26 Masrob Ali, Bolton (Transport/Services)
- 3.1.26 Peter Percival, Oldham (Manufacturing)
- 20.4.26 Michael Mullins, Northwich (Education)
- 30.4.26 Michael Leppart, Liverpool (Services)
Nationally the HSE have recorded 124 work-related deaths in the UK last year but omit key worker categories. Based on our research, The Whole Story, Hazards estimates work-related deaths in the UK to be at least 1,537 over the last year.
The IWMD 2026 event ended with the touching ballad by Claire Mooney 'Forget-Me-Not'.
Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living