Clause 36 - Removal of exemption for small employers
Employment Bill
5:45 pm
Mr Charles Hendry (Wealden, Conservative)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that further clarification. I hope that the hon. Member for North Norfolk accepts that there is no inconsistency between the two positions.
I hope that the Minister will consider the issue carefully. I know that he has an interest, as we do, in ensuring that the welter of bureaucracy that small businesses must deal with is alleviated. The Federation of Small Businesses told us that the measure may be the last straw for small businesses. They say that they are also concerned that overly prescriptive regulations soon become outdated and damage relationships in
small firms, where most proprietors do their utmost to help in times of emergency. They are profoundly concerned about the volume of legislation and regulations that already apply. I hope that the Minister will look favourably upon the amendment.