Law change "won't give businesses enough time"

Implementation of new sexual harassment rules should be delayed, say business advisers

News, 2 April 2008

Two business websites have called for the delayed implementation of new sexual harassment rules, due to come into force on 6 April, because the regulations were only laid before Parliament two weeks ago.

BusinessZone.co.uk and HRZone.co.uk, which provide advice to entrepreneurs and HR professionals, are worried that businesses will not have enough time to prepare for the changes and that it will cost small firms a great deal of money to comply.

The sites have learned that women and equalities minister Harriet Harman laid the statutory instrument, which requires no debate in Parliament, on 14 March.

They say that the UK Government itself has admitted the changes required will cost small firms £10 million.

No guidance

Companies are told by ministers to visit the Business Link website for advice on regulatory compliance, but no information on the sexual harassment rules is currently published on the site. The organisation has so far been unable to confirm when it will be available.

BusinessZone.co.uk and HRZone.co.uk have launched a petition on the Downing Street website calling on the government to delay the introduction of the changes until at least October to give businesses time to prepare. The campaign is supported by a group on social networking site Facebook at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10534158911 .

Dan Martin, editor of BusinessZone.co.uk, commented: “Yet again we are seeing hastily introduced rules which, while beneficial in protecting employees, impose administration and cost burdens on small businesses and give them no time to prepare.

“I urge all small business owners and anyone with an interest in the sector to sign our petition and force the government to delay implementation of the rules so entrepreneurs don’t fall foul of the law for no fault of their own on 6 April.”