Red tape is still tying down UK business according to a major new survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD) released today. Petty rules and regulations, incompetence and misplaced ‘assistance’ continue to hinder business expansion and job creation, members of the IoD reveal in a series of candid case studies.
For the first time, 45 businesses have revealed just how difficult life can be on the bureaucratic front line. Cases of unnecessary and costly red tape and burdensome bureaucracy emerge across all facets of business activity from employment law, to planning, to health and safety rules.
Examples include:
James Walsh, Head of Regulatory Affairs at the IoD, said “these case studies speak volumes about the difficulties of doing business in Britain today. For any companies, red tape makes the difference between expanding the business and standing still.
“The Government has made some encouraging noises about getting to grips with red tape, but we need practical action. These case studies show where some of the key problems lie. We look forward to working with the government to set business free.”
The case studies contained in the report cover regulations issued from central government departments and agencies, the European Commission and local government. A number of case studies highlight the difficulties that employers face in adjusting to new ‘family-friendly’ employment laws.
James Walsh, said “employment regulations crop up time and again in this red tape dossier. The Government should consider giving business a time-out until at least 2010 before it presses ahead with further extensions of employee rights on issues such as flexible working, maternity pay and parental leave.”
