Government launches employment costs campaign

The government has launched a new campaign designed to help businesses save time and money when employing new staff by encouraging them to take advantage of free advice.

Employing People is part of a wider drive by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to cut red tape on businesses and reduce costs.

According to BERR, research shows that businesses often pay for outside advice when recruiting new employees in order to ensure they are complying with employment laws.

But it claims this can be costly and time consuming and is avoidable because they could get this advice for free through Business Link, the government’s self-help portal.

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Employment relations minister Pat McFadden said: "Instead of spending money on buying professional advice on employment law, people can access a range of quick and easy online documents."

The Confederation of British Industry has welcomed the campaign, insisting small employers in particular will appreciate the government’s support.

Plans to cut health and safety red tape have also been announced recently. Business Secretary John Hutton said he wants to reduce the time employers spend on administration related to workplace health and safety.