- Original Poster
- #1
A petition calling for the government to stop sneaking in new regulations without consulting businesses has received more than 700 signatures.
The campaign, by websites BusinessZone.co.uk and HRZone.co.uk, was originally started to force the delay of sexual harassment rules introduced on 6 April just three weeks after being laid down in Parliament. Despite admitting that compliance could cost firms up to £10m, ministers failed to consult companies before the changes were introduced.
Given the short notice, the petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/delay-rules/ did not prevent the new regulations coming into force but 707 people signed it to demonstrate businesses will no longer tolerate regulation without consultation. It has also been officially backed by the Forum of Private Business, which represents 25,000 firms.
BusinessZone.co.uk, which provides free advice to entrepreneurs, and HRZone.co.uk, a leading online resource for HR professionals, intends to continue the campaign to force ministers to always take into account the views of business owners and managers no matter what regulations are on the cards.
Dan Martin, editor of BusinessZone.co.uk, says: "We smashed the target of 200 signatories required to force the government to respond to our petition so we wait with interest to see what they will say.
"While our campaign originally focused on specific rules introduced without consultation, they are not the only example. The government's record over the past 11 years is littered with regulations which have suddenly come into force leaving surprised entrepreneurs and HR professionals facing fines, penalties or extra costs.
"Ministers have not heard the last of us. They will become very used to the phrase 'no regulation without consultation' as we continue to demand that taking the views of business into account becomes the norm and not the exception."
Lucie Benson, editor of HRZone.co.uk, comments: "It is fantastic to see we have the backing of over 700 people in our campaign and we will strive to force the government to ensure all organisations are consulted on any new regulations coming into force.
"Businesses cannot be expected to comply fully with new rules without a fair amount of prior warning, so it is imperative that the government listens to what we have to say."
Notes to Editors
About HRZone.co.uk
HRZone.co.uk is a leading online community for HR professionals in the UK serving over 22,000 members with a number of free online resources including: weekly newswires, in-depth features and a community forum. For further information visit www.HRZone.co.uk
About BusinessZone.co.uk
BusinessZone.co.uk is an online community that delivers day-to-day practical advice and guidance for small businesses. BusinessZone.co.uk runs alongside UK Business Forums, the UK's most active online community forums for small businesses and start-ups. UKBF members use the site to discuss business issues, to share ideas, to find suppliers and, importantly, to network with each other. For further information visit www.BusinessZone.co.uk
For press information, contact:
Helen Stevens
Berkeley PR
[email protected]
01454 629741
The campaign, by websites BusinessZone.co.uk and HRZone.co.uk, was originally started to force the delay of sexual harassment rules introduced on 6 April just three weeks after being laid down in Parliament. Despite admitting that compliance could cost firms up to £10m, ministers failed to consult companies before the changes were introduced.
Given the short notice, the petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/delay-rules/ did not prevent the new regulations coming into force but 707 people signed it to demonstrate businesses will no longer tolerate regulation without consultation. It has also been officially backed by the Forum of Private Business, which represents 25,000 firms.
BusinessZone.co.uk, which provides free advice to entrepreneurs, and HRZone.co.uk, a leading online resource for HR professionals, intends to continue the campaign to force ministers to always take into account the views of business owners and managers no matter what regulations are on the cards.
Dan Martin, editor of BusinessZone.co.uk, says: "We smashed the target of 200 signatories required to force the government to respond to our petition so we wait with interest to see what they will say.
"While our campaign originally focused on specific rules introduced without consultation, they are not the only example. The government's record over the past 11 years is littered with regulations which have suddenly come into force leaving surprised entrepreneurs and HR professionals facing fines, penalties or extra costs.
"Ministers have not heard the last of us. They will become very used to the phrase 'no regulation without consultation' as we continue to demand that taking the views of business into account becomes the norm and not the exception."
Lucie Benson, editor of HRZone.co.uk, comments: "It is fantastic to see we have the backing of over 700 people in our campaign and we will strive to force the government to ensure all organisations are consulted on any new regulations coming into force.
"Businesses cannot be expected to comply fully with new rules without a fair amount of prior warning, so it is imperative that the government listens to what we have to say."
Notes to Editors
About HRZone.co.uk
HRZone.co.uk is a leading online community for HR professionals in the UK serving over 22,000 members with a number of free online resources including: weekly newswires, in-depth features and a community forum. For further information visit www.HRZone.co.uk
About BusinessZone.co.uk
BusinessZone.co.uk is an online community that delivers day-to-day practical advice and guidance for small businesses. BusinessZone.co.uk runs alongside UK Business Forums, the UK's most active online community forums for small businesses and start-ups. UKBF members use the site to discuss business issues, to share ideas, to find suppliers and, importantly, to network with each other. For further information visit www.BusinessZone.co.uk
For press information, contact:
Helen Stevens
Berkeley PR
[email protected]
01454 629741
