Print businesses hail new reforms

The Government's new proposed changes to employment law have been welcomed by the UK print industry.

The Department for Business, Skills and Innovation (BIS) and the Ministry of Justice's Tribunals Service launched a public consultation to garner feedback on employment reforms, which are expected to help employers tackle "unmerited or vexatious" tribunal claims.

Prime minister David Cameron said: "A critical element of the Government's growth strategy is to create the conditions which allow businesses , especially smaller businesses, to flourish and expand.

"Giving businesses the confidence to take on somebody new will be a real boost to the economy, and help generate the sustainable growth we need."

The consultation comes amid calls from employers to change the expensive and time-consuming tribunals system.

Andy Cook, managing director of FFEI, said: "I very much welcome the proposed changes because the 'have a go' culture has been both damaging and costly to UK employers.

"I have always struggled with the concept that someone can put a claim against a company with no risk."

The proposed changes, which include increasing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from one to two years, are hoped to speed up the tribunal process and help employers tackle unfair claims effectively.

Dani Novick, managing director of Mercury Search and Selection said: "In an industry dominated by SMEs, and with companies spending on average £4,000 to defend tribunal cases, this is a big issue.

"Although few in number, the so-called vexatious claims are galling for employers, so measures to tackle them will be very welcome."

Kirk Galloway, managing director of Buxton Press, added: "I'm sure these changes will be welcomed by all those businesses, like Buxton, who are endeavouring to maintain and grow their market share in today's challenging economic climate."