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Publication of Beecroft Report brought forward

The publication of the Beecroft Report has been brought forward, after controversial employment plans were leaked.

Under plans set out by venture capitalist Adrian Beecroft, it could become easier for firms to sack under-performing staff. However, the business minister Mark Prisk has already told the House of Commons that 17 of 23 recommendations in the report have already been put into action, while the rest are subject to consultation until June 8.

Defending his decision, Mr Prisk said: “This Government is taking positive action to reform the labour market to make sure we can get more people back to work as soon as possible.”

By allowing the public access to the provisions of the report, the Business Secretary Vince Cable believes that it will help to dismiss some of the myths associated with it.

Commenting on the publication of the report, he said: “The UK already has one of the most flexible labour markets in the world, as evidenced by the deal struck by the Vauxhall workforce in Ellesmere Port last week.

“At a time when workers are proving to be flexible in difficult economic conditions it would almost certainly be counterproductive to increase fear of dismissal.

“The Government also has a duty to ensure the labour market provides economic and employment opportunities and has therefore set out a parliament-long review of employment law. As part of that review we have issued a call for evidence on no-fault dismissal for micro firms of fewer than 10 employees. I shall be examining the evidence when this is submitted to me after the 8 June.”

Adrian Beecroft frequently spoke to officials in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whilst compiling the report, which means that the majority of proposals reflect ongoing work within the department. However, the fact that controversial provisions have been removed from the first draft have led to accusations that it is a “cynical piece of doctoring”.

Dr Cable added: “In response to widespread concerns from small businesses we are simplifying employment tribunals with further measures in the planned Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill.

“And across Government we have announced a number of measures for CRB checks, work permits and pensions auto-enrolment to help ease the burdens on business.

“This has all happened independently from Mr Beecroft’s recommendations and were part of the Government’s existing programme of reform and agenda for growth.”

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