Firms fear impact of a new tide of red tape

NEW employment laws due to be implemented over the next four years will cost Yorkshire businesses £1.67bn, it was claimed today.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th Feb 2011, 11:27 BST

According to Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber, the total cost to UK businesses from new legislation will be £22.87bn.

The British Chamber of Commerce’s Employment Timeline, which is published today, outlines a raft of new employment legislation which is set to come into force between April 2011 and April 2015.

Commenting on the research, Gary Williamson, chief executive of Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber, said: “The coalition Government pledged to reduce the burden of red tape on businesses, but in fact we are witnessing the exact opposite and Yorkshire’s businesses are paying the price. This raft of employment regulation will make it increasingly harder and more expensive for businesses to take on new employees.”