Construction BOSSES ‘LACK confidence’ in management employment law

New government tool is launched to help bosses manage their obligations as employers

New research published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), has revealed that just over a third (34 per cent) of small business owners in the construction industry feel ‘confident’ that they are in control of their employment obligations.  This is compared to half (50 per cent) of bosses in the retail sector.

Almost a third (30 per cent) admit that they do not keep up to speed with the changes in employment legislation. This is compared to only 15 per cent in the hospitality industry.

The study also reveals that 43 per cent of construction bosses don’t think that employment law is relevant to them, compared to a quarter (26 per cent) of small business owners in the hospitality industry, and just over a third (35 per cent) in the retail sector.

The study has also found that there are many different ways bosses manage their obligations. Some are confident and tackle it head-on, whereas others admit to putting it off and worry how his might affect their business.

Free advice and support - new tool launched

‘Which boss are you?’ is a free new online tool from the Department for Business (BIS) that provides SME bosses with instant tailored advice on managing employment law obligations.

The quick and confidential new tool allows bosses to discover which type of boss they are and then provides them with the advice that is most relevant to help them develop.

Use the tool at www.businesslink.gov.uk/whichbossareyou  

The tool is an extension of the range of free tools and guidance already provided by BIS on the Business Link website as part of its Employing people campaign. These can be found at www.businesslink.gov.uk/employingpeople

Employment Relations Minister Lord Young said:

"We know that running a small business is both challenging and rewarding – and that this combination often fuels a successful enterprise. The essential job of managing employment law need not be one of these challenges.

"This study helps us identify the knowledge gap, and the reasons behind this, to enable us to continue to improve the advice and support we offer. I expect all small businesses to access this help for free on the Business Link website to make sure they know their responsibilities."

Commenting on the research findings, Dr Gina Al-Talal, Information Services Manager at the Federation of Master Builders said:

“Managing employment law is a key responsibility for all businesses and these findings show that it’s really important that SMEs in our sector are aware of their obligations as employers. As part of the FMB’s role in supporting businesses in the industry we want to encourage employers to take advantage of resources that will save them time and money.”

Mark Gaul, Managing Director of Bybridge Construction Ltd adds:

“It’s really important that SME bosses in our sector are aware of their obligations as employers. I know from personal experience that there are lots of different areas of legislation that small businesses need to keep on top of, but there is advice out there that is simple and free, so managing your obligations and growing your confidence in this area is something you can start today.”

The Employing People campaign

The Department for Business’s campaign targets SMEs and aims to reduce the administrative burden of employment law, by giving businesses access to free, easy to use, tools and information to help them answer a wide range of employment questions.

The free advice and tools are all available for small businesses at www.businesslink.gov.uk/employingpeople.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 314 owners/  proprietors of small businesses (1 to 49). Fieldwork was undertaken between  18th December 2009- 5th January 2010.  The survey was carried out online.

Further Help and advice
For Advice and guidance on employment issues contact Information department on 020 7242 7583.

Futher advice on Employment issues is also available on the ACAS and Businesslink web sites at
 
www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1461
 
www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1073858787&r.s=tl