Early warning system for new regulations switched off
At the beginning of the year, the DBERR sets out all the legislation affecting businesses that will come into effect on 1 April and 1 October. Small businesses benefit from the certainty of knowing that new regulations will come into force on a set date. However, the Department is also supposed to review the legislation six months later in order to give warning of any changes or developments since January. This has not happened. Matt Hardman, Campaigns Manager for the FPB, said: "This is very frustrating for us and for our members. We represent 25,000 smaller businesses across the UK, and we want to remind and update them about new legislation coming into force on 1 October. The Better Regulation team, which is part of the DBERR, told us they would be publishing information on their website in the week of 16 July. "But they are still not ready, and cannot tell us when they will be ready. This means we cannot accurately inform our members of legislation they will have to comply with on 1 October. In particular, changes are coming into effect regarding data protection and holiday entitlements and businesses need advance warning." Mr Hardman added: "The idea of 'Common Commencement Dates' for new regulation is very welcome. But 'due warning' of any changes is an important part of this process. The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and its new boss, John Hutton MP, have made an uncertain start. We hope for better things to come."