Flexibility for Small Business Employers is Key to Economic Success, says FMB

Wednesday 9th May 2012 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Court and tribunal reforms outlined in today's Queen Speech offer hope to small business employers who need greater flexibility to run their businesses more competitively and so help job creation, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK’s largest construction trade association.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said:
“Small construction businesses are the backbone of the UK economy but red tape means they are at breaking point which is why reform of tribunals to give small businesses owners greater flexibility is a welcome initiative.  Employees clearly need strong protection, particularly in a dynamic industry like construction, but this protection should not be at the expense of the business as a whole.”

Berry concluded:
“Small businesses often work in innovative and flexible ways so employment law needs to reflect this level of flexibility in order to support and grow businesses. We believe the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill could be a great step forward for construction SMEs struggling to cope with the ever increasing demands of employment law.”