Recent survey evidence commissioned by BIS has provided revealing information on the perceptions of business about employment law, highlighting the key perceived barriers to recruitment and growth, and painting an interesting picture as to the perception of employment and health and safety regulation in the UK today.
The survey suggests that 40% of employers agree or strongly agree that the demands of employment regulation put them off employing staff. Only 1% of that 40, however, say that dismissal / disciplinary action is the regulation that most puts them off employing staff. Their most serious concerns were:
- Health and safety – 13%
- Maternity / paternity leave – 10%
- Tax – 8%
- National Minimum Wage – 6%
- National insurance – 6%
- Employer’s liability insurance – 5%
- Working time regulations – 5%
- Sickness absence – 5%
- Time off to train – 4%
- Discrimination – 3%
The type of firm most worried about legislation was micro and SMEs, with large firms being most concerned about the right to request flexible working.
On average, 40% of SMEs agree that UK employment regulation is fair and proportionate, rising to 53% of large organisations (250+ employees). However, 35% of sole traders disagreed with this statement.
The findings come at a time when the Government is consulting on proposals that could implement no-fault dismissals for micro companies (defined as those employing fewer than ten people).
13% are concerned about health and safety? Could be accounted for by the rash of adverse publicity coming from Downing Street. Killing and Maiming employees is no longer considered to be a sport in civilised countries. Did the survey differentiate between fear of civil litigation and health and safety ? In my opinion, Smes and Micro businesses have a serious lack of understanding of the difference. Case studies continue to show that it is true that good safety is good business. Perhaps rather than being concerned about Health and Safety, Companies should start a process of understanding the proportionate approach that well managed health and safety can bring and the benefits that are gained from it.
60% Must therefore believe that it makes no differance to the way they operate they must be very good companies to work for or only need simple safety systems in place due to the nature of their business.