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Flexible working and parental leave changes undermine the Government’s commitment to slash red tape says FSB

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) expressed its concern yesterday at the Government’s plans to reform parental leave and flexible working.

While the FSB says it is right to consult on these issues, they say it is an example of a contradictory approach to regulation.

They say that what businesses need at this time is greater simplification not additional regulation.

John Walker, national chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said:“Freeing businesses from the shackles of regulation is meant to be a key Government commitment.

“Yet only days after announcing the welcomed employment law review, a raft of new employment burdens were announced.

“It is precisely these types of regulations that will hinder, rather than help, small firms.”

The Government has committed to reducing the amount of red tape all businesses have to wade through – especially for the smallest of firms.

However, in a new report, ‘The Burden of Regulation’, the FSB says it is concerned that proposing changes to parental leave and the right to request flexible working undermines its commitment to cut regulation and puts small businesses off taking on staff.

The FSB has been calling for a reform to parental leave for some time. However, allowing both parents to take off time in chunks, rather than in one block, would make administration of the leave far more complicated than it already is.

He added: _“_For the Government’s commitment to cut regulation to have a meaningful impact, it is vital the Government shows it is listening.

“Proposing changes to parental leave and flexible working at such a difficult time will not encourage small business owners to grow and take on more staff.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .