Department of Work and Pensions refuses to confirm release date for report into construction deaths that unions are understood to have seen already

Confusion is rife over the government inquiry into construction deaths, after unions claimed the report was due to be published later today, despite denials from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Building understands a leaked copy has already been seen by unions. It is understood recommendations will be made to extend the Gangmasters Licensing Act, and introduce statutory directors duties.

The inquiry was originally ordered by James Purnell, the former secretary of state, in August 2008, after 32% of all worker deaths in that year were found to be in construction.

The investigation was lead by Rita Donaghy, the former chair of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, and was originally due to have been submitted by 30 April, but was delayed after Donaghy said she needed more time to examine all areas of the industry. It then suffered a further delay following the prime minister Gordon Brown's cabinet reshuffle.

A spokesperson for the DWP said Donaghy initially handed over the report to Lord McKenzie, minister for health and safety, on 23 June, before meeting with Yvette Cooper, the new secretary of state for work and pensions, on 3 July. He added that the report was due “imminently” but refused to confirm a date.

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