Now EU wants a commissioner for suntans

Employers could be forced to carry out "risk assessments" on the strength of the sun under proposals from Brussels to protect outdoor workers.

Workers would receive training in how to limit their exposure to sunlight, while managers would have to record preventative steps taken by employees - such as wearing shirts and hats.

European Union health and safety chiefs claim the package of measures would reduce sunburn and skin cancer. But business leaders are fighting the plans, claiming they would add to red tape.

A British Government assessment of the Optical Safety Directive said: "We do not expect significant health and safety benefits from the proposal."

Under the directive, being debated in the European Parliament this week, Britain's one million outdoor workers would receive 20 minutes' training a year in how to reduce risks from sun exposure.

Employers would be required to pay for the training, as well as assessing and controlling workers' exposure. The cost to industry would be £8 million over the next 10 years, according to the government assessment.

The Forum of Private Business said the plan was absurd. Chief executive Nick Goulding said it would require an unrealistic degree of medical expertise and could create legal uncertainty.