Equalities Bill will make life more difficult for UK businesses says the Chamber
27/06/2008
A new bill going through parliament aimed at increasing opportunities for women and minority groups will make life more difficult for business, according to the Chamber, which represents businesses in Bedfordshire and Luton.
Responding to Harriet Harman's statement on the Equalities Bill this week, Richard Lacy, Chief Executive of the Chamber said:
'The Government needs to be more honest with business. The original intention was that this Bill would simplify the law. However, this could end up being a bureaucratic nightmare for small businesses, which the Government should not forget account for 99% of all companies in this country.'
'Businesses tell us that there is a limited number of good people out there and they want to recruit and retain the best people for the job irrespective of their gender or race.'
'Increasing the complexity of the tendering process for public contracts and putting more emphasis on positive action in the workplace are unlikely to make life simpler for anyone - least of all business.'
