Employment Law Changes Welcomed

The Government’s employment law reforms have been given a general thumbs-up by small business owners but few of them think the new rules do enough to encourage flexible working, a business group has found. More than a half of members of the Forum of Private Business (51%) think the changes have made job rules fairer, particularly when it comes to recruiting and terminating employment. Small businesses consider easier Disclosure and Barring Service checks and new settlement agreements as positive moves. Firms are advised to speak to employment law solicitors to ensure they comply with the series of recent reforms to UK law.

Some Concerns Remain

Just 2% of members of the forum believe the changes allow for one of the Coalition’s main goals, more flexibility. As many as 45% of owners are of the opinion that the new shared parental leave regulations and extended flexible working rights will have negative effects on their businesses. Small business proprietors are happy to see more balanced employment regulations as many felt the previous rules were tipped in favour of employees, according to Alexander Jackman, Head of Policy at the Forum of Private Business. He said more changes are needed in the rules surrounding people management and any further reforms should consider the needs of small businesses. Our Employment team provides advice on the employment aspects of all major business decisions. For advice on recent employment law changes, contact a member of the team: call us on 08456 381381 or email employment@ibblaw.co.uk.