U.K. health agency, glove makers near deal on powdered gloves

LONDON (Nov. 19)—The United Kingdom's National Health Service and latex glove makers may ink a deal "that could end the use of cheap (powdered) latex gloves," according to the Trades Union Congress. Manufacturers also could agree to stop distributing these gloves in the U.K., the union group said in a Nov. 19 statement. The announcement was timed to coincide with a health care unions summit at the TUC's London headquarters. At the event, unions will urge manufacturers "to distribute only the safer low-protein, powder-free gloves, and NHS Trusts will be urged to refuse to buy the cheaper, but more dangerous alternatives," the TUC said. The TUC will ask health ministers to support any agreement by initiating a major latex education program throughout the NHS, according to its statement.