Red tape getting worse, warns IoD head

the outgoing head of the Institute of Directors fired a broadside at ministers yesterday, claiming that the burden of bureaucracy on business has got worse under the coalition Government.

Miles Templeman is standing down as director general after seven years in the post. He is being replaced by Simon Walker of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association.

In a valedictory message, Mr Templeman said: “Over the last seven years I have seen prime ministers, chancellors and especially business secretaries come and go.

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“Some have understood the importance of the business agenda to the prosperity of the country better than others; and not everything government has done to business during this time has been unhelpful.

“I believe this government does have a clear business orientation. However, it has been very disappointing that successive governments have too often failed to turn their pro-business rhetoric into a comprehensive pro-business policy.

“The current government’s approach to employment regulation is a prime example where we have made no progress in reducing the regulation burden, despite some well-meant initiatives. If anything the situation is getting worse overall.”

He singled out the agency workers directive and workplace pension reforms as particularly harmful to business at a fragile point in the economic cycle.