News articles

March 23, 2011

Red tape for the chop

Good news for all SMEs as the government cuts down restricitive red tape on flexible working hours

The government has confirmed that, starting from May for three years, all small businesses and start-ups will be exempt from changes in business regulations surrounding flexible working for employees with teenage children.

Current plans had been to extend working hours to all parents of children up to the age of 17, which could have a serious impact on smaller firms, especially those with ten or less employees.

John Walkerm chairman of the FSB, said: “For the next three years it will give those micro firms the confidence and stability they need to employ more staff without the worry of constant changes in employment law.”

He also added that the government should continue to look at measures such as this to continue to help economic growth.