Shadow Commons leader in tribute to workers

And Labour said it would repeal the maximum £1,200 fees levied for going to an employment tribunal if it wins power.

The number of cases going to tribunal has dropped by around 70 per cent since 2013. The government said it encouraged workers and bosses to resolve problems through alternatives like mediation and that it was not fair for taxpayers to foot the £74 million bill.

But Rob Marris, standing for Labour in Wolverhampton South West, said: "This government does not want people enforcing their rights at work."

And he defended health and safety legislation, which has been criticised for holding back business, saying: "Health and safety legislation is not red tape, it's literally the difference between life and death."

For Workers Memorial Day the Wolverhampton, Bilston and District Trades Union Congress draped a flag over the Cenotaph in Wolverhampton city centre before wreathes were laid at a tree planted in honour of people who suffered as a result of their work.

Labour-run Wolverhampton City Council had also lowered its flags to half mast.

Miss Eagle also criticised the Conservatives for campaigning on a pledge to 'secure' the recovery after growth was shown to have slowed to 0.3 per cent.

She said: "They're going around the country saying we should be grateful.

"There are a lot of part time, low paid jobs that don't increase tax revenue.

"There has been a surge in employment, which is welcome, but what jobs are being created?

"People can't get enough to feed their families."

Addressing the crowd of trade union members and Labour supporters Miss Eagle said: "The battle to make work places safer is never over."