Recognition by UK Government of the support for the American Import Agents Association after successful engagement and lobbying campaign

1. Summary of
Simplification
Plans 2009

2. Contents (page 1 of 2)
Foreword by the Prime Minister.................................................................... 4 chapter 2 ................................................................................................................ 31
Introduction by the Secretary of State ........................................................ 5 The Third Sector .............................................................................................. 31
2009 achievements ...................................................................................... 31
SectIon 1 Summary .................................................................................... 6
Streamlined business practices ............................................................. 31
chapter 1 .................................................................................................................. 7
Making life simpler for small charities ............................................... 31
Executive Summary .......................................................................................... 7
Making employment law easier .............................................................. 32
What do businesses need to know? ........................................................ 8
Wider Simplification........................................................................................ 33
What is this report about?........................................................................... 9
Reducing funding & monitoring burdens ............................................ 33
chapter 2 ................................................................................................................ 10
Better Regulation – what next? .................................................................. 10 chapter 3 ................................................................................................................ 35
Helping Small Businesses ........................................................................... 35
SectIon 2 Administrative Burden Reduction Programme ............13 Examples of Departmental think small first approaches ............ 35
chapter 1 ................................................................................................................ 14
Year 4: Progress so far .................................................................................. 14
Delivery overview ......................................................................................... 14
Administrative burden reductions:
Progress by individual departments and agencies ......................... 23
Contents 2

3. Contents (page 2 of 2)
SectIon 3 Wider Simplifications (outside of ABRP)........................ 40 SectIon 4 Annexes ................................................................................... 57
chapter 1 ................................................................................................................ 41 Annex A ................................................................................................................... 58
The public sector ............................................................................................. 41 Cautious Predictions – risks to delivery by May 2010 ........................ 58
Reducing bureaucracy in the public sector........................................ 41 Annex B ................................................................................................................... 63
2009 achievements in reducing bureaucracy External Validation Panel May 2005 – May 2009 ................................. 63
in the public sector ...................................................................................... 41 Annex c ................................................................................................................... 76
Engaging with the front line and reducing The Measurement Process: The International Standard Cost
the stock of unnecessary bureaucracy................................................ 45 Model Methodology......................................................................................... 76
Wider work on improving public sector efficiency .......................... 46 Stage 1 Measurement ................................................................................ 76
chapter 2 ................................................................................................................ 47 Stage 2 Adjusting for business as usual.............................................. 78
Simplifications at the European level ...................................................... 47 Annex D ................................................................................................................... 79
UK engagement with the EU .................................................................... 48 Baseline Adjustments .................................................................................... 79
Improvements to incoming European legislation ............................ 51 2009 Baseline adjustments ...................................................................... 80
chapter 3 ................................................................................................................ 52
Reducing policy burdens and irritants .................................................... 52
Policy burdens: Process by
individual Department and Agency........................................................ 53
Reducing Non-Monetary Irritants.......................................................... 55
Contents 3

4. Foreword by the Prime Minister
Creating and maintaining We are on track to meet our
a world-class business promise of a net 25% decrease
environment is essential to in the administrative burdens
economic growth. Building on business with plans in place
a robust and flexible to deliver £3.3 billion in annual
regulatory framework is savings to businesses by May
central to this because it 2010, and I am pleased that the
encourages investment Government was able to make a
and removes barriers. further commitment this year to
cut the annual costs of existing
The UK already has the best
regulation by a further £6.5 billion
business environment in Europe,
over the next five years.
and ranks fifth in the world, Gordon Brown
according to the World Bank. The UK leads the way on Prime Minister
We have made significant regulatory reform, and I am
progress this year pushing determined that we will continue
forward our ambitious to deliver our ambitious Better
regulatory reform agenda and Regulation Agenda, to make
increasing the transparency sure that regulation works
and accountability in the way better for everyone.
the Government operates.
Foreword by the Prime Minister 4

5. Introduction by the Secretary of State
Following the recent global year - saving them time, money The publication of our first
financial crisis and as global and resources to direct towards Forward Regulatory Programme
competition increases, it is achieving their ambitions for and creation of a new body, the
more important than ever that the future. Regulatory Policy Committee
the Government continues to shows our commitment to
We are on target to cut the
ensure a regulatory framework improve transparency,
administrative burden of existing
that is fair, appropriate and accountability and external
regulation by 25% by May 2010.
reflects the demands of a 21st scrutiny.
But we want to go further and our
century economy.
new target of £6.5 billion will This report sets out what the
The Government is focused on address both the administrative Government has achieved so
striking the right balance and wider costs of regulation. far this year and since 2005,
between guaranteeing essential and we will continue to do
We are working hard across
protections and rights are upheld everything we can to foster Peter Mandelson
Government to establish
and recognising the impact of growth, innovation and fairness Secretary of State for Business,
regulation that is targeted and
excessive regulations on through better regulation. Innovation and Skills
proportionate and to help
businesses and our third sector.
organisations get the simple,
Our ambitious Better Regulation clear advice and support they
Agenda is already delivering real need to implement measures
benefits. The programme to effectively.
reduce administrative burdens is
achieving billions of net savings
to individual organisations every
Introduction by the Secretary of State 5

6. SECTION 1
Summary
Chapter 1 Executive Summary
Chapter 2 Better Regulation – what next?
6

7. Chapter 1
Executive Summary
The Administrative Burden environment, which is fair and Since the beginning of the Public sector organisations
Reduction Programme – proportionate and responds to a Administrative Burden Reduction also face administrative
saving businesses time and rapidly changing global economy. Programme in 2005, the burdens. In 2009 there has
money by reducing red tape. Government has implemented been real progress on reducing
The Administrative Burden
280 separate simplification the number of information
Effective and evidence-based Reduction Programme, part
measures to reduce the time requests and on reducing the
regulations can play a critical role of the UK’s Regulatory Reform
and money businesses, charities burden of information requests
in correcting market failures, and Agenda, identifies, simplifies
and the public sector spend on from central Government to
provide essential protections for and sometimes removes the
administration. public sector organisations.
the general public. administrative burden placed
These reductions are a positive
on organisations to demonstrate Her Majesty’s Revenue and
The Better Regulation Agenda and tangible step in reducing
they are complying with Customs (HMRC) is also
encourages Government to cut bureaucracy for the public
regulations. committed to reducing the
unnecessary bureaucracy and sector front line.
administrative burden of tax
out of date regulations – making The Government is committed
regulation and has been set
life simpler for businesses, third to reducing the administrative
separate reduction targets by
sector organisations and the burden faced by business and
the Chancellor. Details of this
public sector front line. the third sector by 25% by May
programme can be found on
2010, and expects to deliver
In the current economic climate it the HMRC website1.
approximately £3.3 billion net
is particularly important to make
annual savings. By December
sure that Government creates a
2009 Government has delivered
world-leading regulatory
£2.9 billion net annual savings
towards this target.
1. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2009/new-relationship-605.pdf SECTION 1 | Chapter 1: Executive Summary 7

8. What do businesses The External Validation
Defra Panel was set up to test that
need to know?
Environmental Permitting Programme simplification measures in the
Government has now made 280 Administrative Burden Reduction
" When you run your own business and you're simplification measures with Programme were effectively
hands-on all the time, sometimes you look 40 additional measures which communicated to businesses and
have started to deliver savings
at the volume of paperwork needed and it's in the last 12 months. Together
were felt on the ground. This year
a headache. the External Validation Panel has
these measures are delivering to again scrutinised the
business the potential to realise
"Before the new system, our licence application an estimated £2.9 billion net
Government’s delivery.
fee would have been around £10,000. But the annual savings. In Summer 2009 the External
new permit costs us much less, around £1,300." Validation Panel met again to look
In 2008 the Government at the delivery of new measures.
carl Brittain, owner of Mr Rubble Skip Hire established the External By May 2009, 77.5% of the
Validation Panel. This is an Programme’s total gross savings
Waste Management Licensing and Pollution Prevention
independent panel including delivery was validated.
and Control systems have been consolidated from 41 sets
representatives from the
of regulations into just one, a third of the length of the The External Validation Panel will
Confederation of British Industry,
original legislation. meet again in 2010 to review and
the Institute of Directors, the
One permit has replaced several types of permit under the British Chambers of Commerce, validate final delivery across the
old system, meaning that it’s easier for businesses to obtain the Federation of Small Programme.
the right one. Businesses and the Trades
Union Congress.
This means that getting an environmental waste management
licence is now a very easy process and will save business up to
£8.9 million by December 09.
SECTION 1 | Chapter 1: Executive Summary 8

9. What is this report • influencing Europe and other
international organisations
about?
to promote a culture of better
This document provides a regulation, ensuring that the
summary of the Government’s UK economy will benefit; and
progress towards delivering 25%
net reduction in administrative • minimising the policy burdens
burdens since the beginning of and key irritants faced by
the Programme in May 2005, businesses. To date,
with a particular focus on £1.19 billion gross annual
progress over the past year. policy savings have been made.
This summary also reports on You can find more information
the Government’s progress in on individual Departments’
delivering wider simplifications. achievements in their
It describes the Government’s Simplification Plans, which are
achievements in: published on the BIS website2.
• reducing the number of
information requests from
central Government to public
sector frontline workers by
30%. By December 2009 a
30.8% reduction of information
requests has been delivered,
with further delivery expected
by May 2010;
2. http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/bre/policy/simplifying-existing-regulation/simplification-plans/page44063.html SECTION 1 | Chapter 1: Executive Summary 9

10. Chapter 2
Better Regulation – what next?
The Government has a has reviewed the regulations comprehensive forward The Government has also set up
wide-ranging regulatory it is introducing which would indication of existing and possible a new independent Regulatory
reform programme. The increase burdens on business future regulatory proposals to Policy Committee whose role is
current programme began during the recession and allow for improved medium-term to advise the Government on
in 2005. In April 2009 the recovery. Twenty six planned business planning. whether it is doing all it can to
Government set out the next regulations will now not be accurately assess the costs and
The Government is also working
steps to drive forward the introduced before April 2011, benefits of regulation. Building
closely with European Union
Better Regulation Agenda. deferring costs to businesses of on the work of Philip Hampton,
partners to further embed the EU
£3.5 billion, nearly one third of the this body will also advise the
The recent economic climate has Better Regulation Agenda and to
new regulation that was planned Government on whether
underpinned the importance of ensure the current pressures on
for introduction over the next 18 regulators are appropriately
the Government’s focus on business are taken into account
months. This includes delaying risk-based in their work.
delivering real help for business. when new European regulation is
giving employees of small and
In April this year the Government being considered.
medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
therefore committed to a further
the right to request paid time to Looking forward, the Government
programme of better regulation
train until 2011, to help small will adopt new simplification
measures tailored to the
business through the recovery, targets for 2010 to 2015 which will
exceptional economic
and delaying new building address all regulatory costs on
circumstances.
regulations until 2013. business including a further
Despite the need for new £1.5 billion net annual savings
In October 2009, the Government
regulation in some areas (such target for administrative costs
published, for the first time, a
as climate change, and financial and a £5 billion policy cost
Forward Regulatory Programme.
services in response to the reduction target.
This provides business with a
banking crisis), the Government
SECTION 1 | Chapter 2: Better Regulation – what next? 10

11. CLG HSE
Electronic Communication
of Building Control Documents Removal of outdated requirements
HSE has removed eight forms which businesses previously had
"The ability to send and receive key building to fill out to notify the Government before employing staff in their
control documents by electronic means is premises. These requirements had little current relevance as
greatly welcomed. there are other means of obtaining this information.
“It saves time and effort, not just in terms of printing and HSE’s public consultation in Autumn 2008 showed strong support
postage but also because the statutory time limit starts virtually for removing the requirements. This included support from local
instantaneously, whereas for posting you need to allow two days. authorities. The amending legislation came into effect in April
It therefore means that our business can run more efficiently and 2009, reducing the administrative burden on businesses by
cost-effectively and this benefits our customers too.” £21 million annually.
David Mccullogh, tPS
Most building control documents and information transfers can
now take place electronically. This substantially reduces the
amount of time and cost of acquiring, completing, submitting and
processing hard-copy documents. This will deliver an anticipated
annual saving of £38 million by May 2010.
SECTION 1 | Chapter 2: Better Regulation – what next? 11

12. DfT
Dangerous Goods – Instructions in Writing
" If the information is there, in the driver's
possession, and it is legible, that is fine. This is
an example of the broader attitude that industry
welcomes, whereby the mildly creative approach
is accepted, in the UK at least."
Dr Andy Holton, Product Stewardship Manager,
exxonMobil chemical Ltd
DfT removed the requirement for companies involved in the
transport of dangerous goods to produce instructions on safe
handling of products in the languages of all the countries through
which the shipment travels. This saves businesses an estimated
£200,000 each year.
Dr Andy Holton praised the effective cooperation with the police
and the pragmatic approach to the format of instructions in writing.
SECTION 1 | Chapter 2: Better Regulation – what next? 12

13. SECTION 2
Administrative Burden
Reduction Programme
Chapter 1 Year 4: Progress so far
Chapter 2 The Third Sector
Chapter 3 Helping Small Businesses
13

14. Chapter 1
Year 4: Progress so far
Delivery in 2009 against the Delivery overview
net 25% administrative burden
reduction for the private and The following table shows the total administrative burden reduction delivery
third sectors. to date across Government and the planned delivery predicted by May 2010.
The Programme continues to FIGURe 1: Progress in Reducing Administrative Burdens
make real world improvements.
By December 2009 the £m annual admin DeLIveRy PLAnneD
burden savings to DAte (£M) DeLIveRy
Government has put in place
280 simplification measures, Baseline as at May 2006 May 2007 May 2008 Dec 2008 May 2009 Dec 2009 May 2010
delivering an estimated Dec 2009
£2.9 billion in net annual savings. £13,141.0
Net Reductions3 £348 £674 £1,665 £1,950 £2,378 £2,927 £3,290
The Government is planning to
deliver total net annual savings % Reduction 2.65% 5.13% 12.67% 14.84% 18.09% 22.27% 25.04%
of around £3.3 billion by May
2010 and is therefore on track to
deliver its 2005 commitment to
reduce the administrative burden
faced by business by 25%.
3. The figures from May 2006 to December 2008 have been revised to reflect 2009 baseline adjustments. SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 14

15. In December 2009, the With this in mind, this year we
Programme is on track, and is have derived a risk-based Forestry Commission
now delivering £2.9 billion in net analysis of the programme, which e-Business for Forestry
annual savings, meeting the sets out a cautious estimate of
predicted December 2008 final delivery. We currently " It's virtually a revolutionary change in the way
delivery forecast. This shows expect, on the cautious case, we handle all the adminstration of our buying.
good recent progress following that the programme would
some under-delivery in May 2009 deliver around £3.2 billion in Electronic trading has saved us a full-time post;
against Departments’ December annual savings by May 2010. it is faster, more efficient, and makes better
2008 forecasts. This cautious estimate takes into data available, with no need for checking."
account potential delays in the
The cross-programme forward neil cowan, Howie Forest Products
take-up of some measures.
forecast for delivery to May 2010
As a result of recent economic E-Business for Forestry has moved paperwork required by
shows that the Programme will
conditions, business has the Forestry Commission online. This has brought savings
deliver £3.3 billion net annual
understandably been slower than of over £1.4 million to its customers.
savings. However, there is very
anticipated in taking up some of
little contingency across the
the available opportunities to
Programme. It is important that
reduce administrative costs. In
all Departments manage their
this cautious-case analysis we
individual delivery programmes
anticipate that the programme
very carefully over the next five
would deliver £3.2 billion by May
months to ensure delivery of the
2010 and the full £3.3 billion in net
final target in May 2010.
annual savings by October 2010.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 15

16. • By May 2009 Departments
CLG had delivered an estimated
£2.38 billion net annual savings
Greater Flexibility for through the Administrative
Planning Permissions Burden Reduction Programme.
Two new measures will provide a greater degree of flexibility • The External Validation
and reduce the need for completely new applications for Panel has validated 77.5%
planning permission. of gross savings reported by
Departments to May 2009.
A simplified planning application procedure at a reduced fee will
allow property developers to seek an extension to the time limits • Between May and December
for implementing an existing planning permission. Businesses 2009, Departments have made
will also be able to apply to make non-material changes to an further progress. They have
existing permission through a simple application procedure with delivered a further £549
a quick turnaround time. million net annual savings
to business.
In addition to the £18.6 million savings for businesses, there will
be a reduction in workload for Local Planning Authorities, as these • Savings delivered between
measures will reduce the numbers of completely new applications May and December 2009 will
for planning permission. be validated by the External
Validation Panel in 2010.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 16

17. The tables below illustrate the top simplification measures delivered (by £million value). The first details the new
measures implemented in 2009, the second covers the top measures since the beginning of the programme.
FIGURe 2: Top New Simplification Measures delivering savings in 2009 (figure continues on the next page)
MeASURe PRActIcAL cHAnGeS to BUSIneSSeS totAL AnnUAL GRoSS
ADMInIStRAtIve SAvInGS
AS At DeceMBeR 2009
BIS Introduction of a general duty not to mislead consumers. £309m
Business to consumer Establishment of a single set of rules against unfair sales
advertising and and marketing practices directed at consumers.
marketing rules:
Transposition of the “this has been a very positive experience for us – the new
Unfair Commercial regulations freed us up and gave us a genuine opportunity
Practices Directive to explore new approaches.” Home Retail Group
(Competition Policy
(Not yet validated by External Validation Panel)
and Consumer Law)
BIS A key irritant for businesses. Employees and employers have now £115m
Dispute Resolution greater flexibility to undertake early resolution by dealing with
(Employment Law) workplace discipline and grievance issues in a way which suits
them best. They can now follow the Acas Code of Practice, which
sets out the principles that should be followed to address disputes.
(Validated by External Validation Panel)
HMt Lifts the previous requirement for paper settlement and transfer of £77m
Better regulation title for fund managers, stockbrokers, financial advisers and other
measures for the asset intermediaries by allowing electronic settlement.
management sector
(Not yet validated by External Validation Panel)
(Paperless Settlement)
DH Reduced transportation of paper prescriptions from prescriber £37.9m
Electronic prescription to dispenser as well as to agent for reimbursement.
service
Reduced information having to be rekeyed by the dispenser
and reimbursement agent.
(Not yet validated by External Validation Panel)
HSe Guidance available to businesses to decide when to label loads £32.5m
Manual handling to avoid manual handling injuries to workers.
operations regulations
(Validated by External Validation Panel)
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 17

18. MeASURe PRActIcAL cHAnGeS to BUSIneSSeS totAL AnnUAL GRoSS
ADMInIStRAtIve SAvInGS
AS At DeceMBeR 2009
BIS Allows companies greater flexibility in keeping a register £30.5m
Other Companies Act of directors and members.
Measures (Company
(Not yet validated by External Validation Panel)
Law and Accounting)
HSe The electronic template for recording risk assessments saves £27m
Electronic Risk business time and encourages compliance with the requirement.
Assessment Template
(Not yet validated by External Validation Panel)
HSe By combining the need for a written policy statement and to record £26.5m
The Written Health and a risk assessment the measurement has reduced duplicated
Safety Policy Statement paperwork for businesses.
(Not yet validated by External Validation Panel)
MoJ These measures have been delivered following the introduction £26.1m
Legal Aid- Various of the Civil Unified Contract 2007 and the Unified Contract
Provisions under (Crime) 2008. Reduced burdens include improving systems such
the Civil and as replacing paper based systems with on-line systems and
Crimes Contract improving guidance.
(Not yet validated by External Validation Panel)
HSe Removal of requirements on businesses to fill out a form to notify £21m
Forms project HSE or their local authority before employing staff in their premises
and keeping registers.
(Validated by External Validation Panel)
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 18

19. BIS – Dispute Resolution
Changes recommended by The Dispute Resolution Review were implemented via the
Employment Act 2008 and the new procedures came into force in April 2009. The new framework for
resolving employment disputes in Great Britain emphasises the importance of the early resolution of
workplace matters in the workplace. This was a key irritant for businesses and as a result of these
changes, employees and employers have greater flexibility to deal with workplace discipline and
grievance issues in a way which suits them best and which saves them £115 million annually.
The new Acas helpline and pre-claim conciliation services were also launched in April 2009 and are
projected to deliver a total of £14 million savings, £6 million of which has been delivered to date.
HSE
Manual Handling Operations
"Additional clarity of best practice and regulation that is readily and
easily accessible through electronic/internet access can only be a good
thing and therefore a supportive tool to supply chain handlers promoting
best practice with suppliers/manufacturers/ importers of goods."
Stuart Rainbow, chairman, Parcel carriers Safety Association
Lack of clarity surrounding when it was necessary to give workers guidance on the weight of every
load they had to carry was causing an estimated £150 million cost to business. To help businesses
reduce unnecessary costs whilst continuing to protect their workers, HSE produced additional
guidance on labelling loads in May 2008.
Ninety-one percent of respondents who had read the guidance stated in an online questionnaire
that the guidance helped them understand when a load needed labelling. Respondents expected
to save between £262 and £1,314 annually from reduced labelling, which translates to £32.5 million
savings across the board.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 19

20. FIGURe 3: Top Simplification Measures (by £ million value) since beginning of Programme (figure continues on the next page)
SIMPLIFIcAtIon DeScRIPtIon oF SAvInGS AnnUAL GRoSS SAvInGS
MeASUReS At DeceMBeR 2009
BIS The Employment Law Guidance Programme reduces the £418m
Employment Guidance administrative burdens imposed by employment law. The Guidance
Programme has produced free-to-use and legally-compliant online
tools, pro-forma letters and agreement forms, accessible through
www.businesslink.gov.uk
(£418m validated by the External Validation Panel as at May 2008)
BIS Provides a simpler legal framework, to protect consumers from £309m
Business to consumer unfair practices, with a more level playing field for business.
advertising and
(Not yet validated by External Validation Panel)
marketing rules:
Transposition of the
Unfair Commercial
Practices Directive
HSe Easy to follow examples of risk assessment for 34 lower risk £235m
Example Risk businesses including convenience stores, dry cleaners and
Assessments hairdressing salons.
(£163.3m validated by External Validation Panel as at May 2008)
cLG Reducing the number of licences required by landlords for low risk £207m
Repeal of part XI of multiple occupancy households (partially offset by burden of £87m
Housing Act 1985 from new licensing regime).
(£207m validated by the External Validation Panel as at May 2008)
BIS 1.2m companies can now send information including annual £182m
Electronic reports to shareholders by email, rather than hard copy.
communication
(£76m validated by External Validation Panel as at May 2008)
with shareholders
DcMS This Act reformed the alcohol and entertainment licensing laws £181.1m
Licensing Act 2003 in Britain into a single piece of legislation.
(£181.1m validated by the External Validation Panel as at May 2008)
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 20

21. SIMPLIFIcAtIon DeScRIPtIon oF SAvInGS AnnUAL GRoSS SAvInGS
MeASUReS At DeceMBeR 2009
cLG 1.2 million pieces of electrical work a year are now certified by £136m
Competent Persons ‘competent persons’, rather than having to go through Building
Scheme Control inspection, saving around £110 per check.
(£132m Validated by External Validation Panel as at May 2008)
BIS Replacement of the complex Weights and Measures (Packaged £129m
(former DIUS) Goods) Regulations 1986 to provide a more consistent, certain,
Weights and Measures accessible and comprehensive law.
(£129m validated by External Validation Panel as at May 2008)
BIS Businesses no longer need to comply with statutory instruments £115m
Dispute Resolution as the Employment Act 2008 allows companies to follow the Acas
code of practice. This code sets out the principles to follow when
addressing disputes.
(£115m validated by External Validation Panel as at May 2009)
DH Pharmaceutical companies can now self-certify minor changes to £104.9m
Better Regulation of patient information on over-the-counter medicines, saving them
Medicines Initiative time and money whilst allowing the MHRA to concentrate on
(BROMI) Phase 1 scrutinising complex changes.
(£104.9m validated by External Validation Panel as at May 2008)
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 21

22. HSE
Risk Assessment
"When I talk about what a risk assessment is,
I use a printed copy of the HSE's guide and
take people through it to establish good practice.
“The language is right because it’s everyday basic language.
And the presentation is very good. So they can go through it BIS
and do their own assessment properly. For small, voluntary
organisations, that’s really important.
Employment Guidance
Government has transformed the guidance that it provides on
“One group even wrote to us recently to thank us for making Employment Law. Guidance is now simple, easy to follow and
the process so much easier.” allows employers to take on new employees with confidence.
eamon McGraph, community Development Manager, The guidance focuses on particular areas of Employment Law
Age concern norfolk which businesses found the most burdensome or complex. The
Day centres play a valuable role in the lives of many older people guidance available at Business Link (www.businesslink.gov.uk/
but like any workplace they carry certain health and safety risks. employingpeople) covers all aspects of employers’ obligations,
and includes free access to interactive tools and documents that
According to Eamon McGrath, the problem of assessing those are quick and easy to use.
risks is now much easier, thanks to the Health and Safety
Executive’s website and their online tool, five steps to risk This has helped save businesses an estimated annual
assessment on www.hse.gov.uk/business/risk.htm £418 million in administrative burdens. BIS is now making this
guidance available directly to businesses in the form of a simple
HSE produces 34 example risk assessments for different desktop download that sets out clearly their obligations
types of low-risk organisations which bring combined savings throughout the employment lifecycle - from recruitment,
of £235 million per year. to retention and leaving.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 22

23. Administrative burden • The Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills (BIS) -
reductions: Progress by
Employment Law
individual departments
and agencies • The Department for
Communities and Local
Due to the nature of their Government (CLG) –
remit, three Departments are Planning Law
responsible for over 68% of
the total administrative burden • The Health and Safety
baseline (£13.14 billion). Their Executive (HSE) – Health
main policy areas impose the and Safety Law
largest administrative burdens The table on the next page shows
as they apply to most businesses departmental delivery to date
in the UK. and planned delivery for the
remainder of the programme.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 23

24. FIGURe 4: Progress by individual Departments
DeLIveRy PLAnneD DeLIveRy
DePt BASeLIne tARGet tARGet MAy 2009 MAy 2009 Dec 2009 Dec 2009 MAy 2010 MAy 2010
By MAy By MAy
(£M) 2010 (£M) 2010 (%) (£M) (%) (£M) (%) (£M) (%)
BIS £4,489.0 £1,122.3 25% £902.8 20.11% £1,114.5 24.83% £1,137.5 25.34%
cLG £2,486.5 £621.6 25% £376.1 15.12% £483.1 19.43% £623.8 25.09%
HSe £2,022.5 £505.6 25% £382.7 18.92% £500.3 24.73% £540.0 26.70%
DH £1,201.9 £300.5 25% £157.1 13.07% £197.9 16.47% £196.5 16.35%
Dft £585.0 £146.3 25% £115.2 19.69% £115.5 19.75% £141.6 24.20%
DWP £471.0 £117.8 25% £136.0 28.87% £136.0 28.87% £136.0 28.87%
Defra £458.2 £114.6 25% £55.7 12.16% £90.3 19.70% £91.5 19.98%
MoJ £356.0 £89.0 25% £67.1 18.84% £68.8 19.32% £92.5 25.98%
DcMS £343.2 £85.8 25% £155.8 45.40% £158.2 46.19% £158.5 46.19%
DcSF £209.7 £52.4 25% £8.3 3.96% £24.6 11.75% £55.4 26.43%
HMt £158.9 £39.7 25% £67.4 42.42% £67.4 42.42% £105.4 66.33%
Food SA* £90.5 £22.6 25% -£68.7 -75.86% -£68.7 -75.86% -£24.7 -27.24%
Home office £83.0 £20.8 25% £19.1 23.00% £32.0 38.49% £32.2 38.76%
onS £48.7 £12.2 25% £6.4 13.14% £6.4 13.14% £9.3 19.10%
charity commission £36.6 £9.2 25% £1.1 3.05% £6.0 16.43% £6.0 16.4%
cabinet office £15.4 £5.4 35% £0.0 0.00% £0.0 0.00% £2.4 15.6%
Geo £5.7 £1.4 25% -£0.3 -4.39% -£0.3 -4.39% -£0.3 -4.39%
Forestry commission £1.46 £0.4 25% £0.4 26.44% £0.4 26.44% £0.4 26.44%
Decc £76.97 N/A N/A -£4.7 N/A -£5.6 N/A -£14.4 N/A
totAL £13,140.3 £3,286.64 25% £2,377.5 18.09% £2,926.8 22.27% £3,289.8 25.04%
*EU food and feed hygiene regulations, introduced on 1 January 2006, increased the Food Standard Agency’s burden
from £90.5m to £204m. Food SA project a reduction in gross admin burdens of £89m by May 2010.
4. Target delivery for cross-Government programme incorporating DECC baseline SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 24

25. The chart below shows that, FIGURe 5: Admin Burden Reduction Programme – Net trajectory May 2005 - May 2010.
following some under-delivery in Cautious and best case forecast by May 2010.
May 2009 against Departments`
December 2008 forecasts, in £4,000
December 2009 the programme
is on track and is now delivering
£3,500
£2.9 billion in net annual savings, £3.35bn
£3.290bn
meeting the predicted December
2008 delivery forecast. £3,000 £3.191bn
£2.927bn
£2.89bn
A risk-based analysis of the £2.635bn
programme has been carried £2,500
out to predict the best-case and
£2.378bn
cautious estimates of final
delivery in May 2010. The cautious £2,000
estimate takes into account £1.95bn
£1.66bn
potential delays in the take-up of
£1,500
some measures, reflecting that,
as a result of recent economic
conditions, some measures are £1,000
being taken up by business more
slowly than originally anticipated. £0.67bn
The cautious analysis anticipates £500
that the programme will deliver £0.35bn
£3.2 billion by May 2010 and that Delivered Forecast
£0
the full £3.3 billion in net annual
savings will be delivered by May 2006 May 2007 May 2008 Dec 2008 May 2009 Dec 2009 May 2010
October 2010. external validation Panel established
SP09 - best-case forecast to May 2010
SP08 - net reductions
target by May 2010 based on Dec 2009 baseline
SP09 - cautious forecast to May 2010
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 25

26. Ensuring businesses, third and public sectors
are feeling the benefits on the ground
External Validation Panel
Eve Salomon Chair of EVP 2009
Independent Chair: former member of the Better Regulation Commission
“The External Validation Panel has a vital role in critically assessing Departments’ simplifications.
This independent challenge gives credibility to the Administrative Burden Reduction Programme by
ensuring that Departments provide evidence both to support the savings that are claimed and to
demonstrate that the measures put in place by the Government are actually being felt on the ground.”
The External Validation Panel The Panel provides a robust The focus of the External
was established in 2008 in challenge and quality assurance Validation Panel (EVP) is to test
response to recommendations role and is made up of the assumptions underpinning
from external stakeholders, representatives from the the reported administrative
including the National Audit Confederation of British burden reductions to ensure the
Office. The Government agreed Industry, the Institute of changes have been effectively
that, as more measures started Directors, the British Chambers communicated to business and
to deliver opportunities for of Commerce, the Federation of that business is actually
businesses to make savings, Small Businesses and the benefiting from the savings
external scrutiny to assess Trades Union Congress. claimed by Departments.
whether savings were being felt
by business was essential.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 26

27. In 2008, the EVP chose to In 2009, the Panel took a slightly
Defra scrutinise the top simplification
measures Government
different approach to increase
the breadth of their scrutiny of
NetRegs Departments implemented the programme; by making sure
NetRegs (www.netregs.gov.uk) is a web-based service offering between May 2005 and May that each Department involved
clear, reliable guidance to UK businesses on how to comply with 2008, covering over 80% of the in the Administrative Burden
environmental legislation and reduce their environmental reported gross annual savings. Reduction Programme had
impacts. It provides free up-to-date guidance specifically tailored Departments were made been reviewed by the Panel, at
to the needs of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). It responsible for the scrutiny least once. As a result, 77.5%
also serves a wide range of business advisory bodies and trade of smaller measures. of the Programme’s total gross
associations across the UK. The guidance covers 36 categories savings delivery to May 2009
Following the Panel’s review,
of environmental topics and over 110 business sectors. was validated.
gross savings of an estimated
In a July 2009 user survey, 94% of businesses rated it as a ‘good’ £1.86 billion were validated, The External Validation Panel
or ‘excellent’ business tool. covering 87% of reported delivery will meet again in Summer
up to May 2008. 2010 to review and validate final
The EVP validated £10 million of savings from the NetRegs delivery across the Programme,
programme (which should rise to £12.5 million by 2010) and To complement this scrutiny,
taking into account the savings
held up NetRegs as a good example which was well-evidenced Departments and the BRE carried
realised since May 2009.
to demonstrate that it brings real savings and improvements out their own validation exercises
to business. on smaller simplification
measures (over £10 million) so that
overall 92% of reported delivery to
May 2008 had been verified.
“The External Validation Panel provides a necessary credibility check to the administrative
burden savings that Government Departments claim. The CBI is pleased to have played a
part in scrutinising this year’s claims against the experiences of business.”
Lucy Findlay, Confederation of British Industry
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 27

28. FIGURe 6: Overview of validation
totAL GRoSS ADMInIStRAtIve BURDen ReDUctIonS £1.985bn
Validated by EVP and BRE/Departments at May 08
totAL GRoSS ADMInIStRAtIve BURDen ReDUctIonS £454m
Validated by EVP in May 09
totAL GRoSS ADMInIStRAtIve BURDen ReDUctIonS £3.147bn
Delivered at May 2009
% GRoSS ADMInIStRAtIve BURDen ReDUctIonS 77.5%
Validated at May 2009
“The FSB was pleased to have been involved with the “The External Validation Panel is essential to the
External Validation process of the simplification work credibility of the Administrative Burden Reduction
of some Government Departments over the last year. Programme. The Panel’s scrutiny of claimed savings not
It is extremely important that the assumptions and only engenders confidence in the system from external
calculations that Departments made are tested against stakeholders, but also allows civil servants the benefit
what business believes to be the case. Our findings on of a different perspective on their progress. Continuance
the Panel demonstrate that there are differing opinions of this type of engagement is vital if policymakers are to
about how a saving can be calculated and what level of truly understand the views of the business community.”
evidence is needed. The FSB would welcome continued Steve Hughes, British Chambers of Commerce
involvement in this work.”
Sara Higham, Federation of Small Businesses
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 28

29. CLG
Planning Portal
"Switching to electronic submission has allowed us HMT
to replace a slow, laborious process with one which
is quick and simple," explains David Morton. Paperless Settlement
This simplification measure has been in force since March 2009.
“An added bonus is that the system checks all the information is It lifts the previous requirement for paper settlement and transfer
inputted correctly before allowing submission. It is impossible to of title for fund managers, stockbrokers, financial advisers and
submit an incomplete planning application. other intermediaries by allowing electronic settlement. As the
“Using the portal to submit applications electronically reflects asset management industry develops, electronic systems are
our aims on many levels. Not only do we save paper waste but becoming increasingly efficient and this measure is expected
the system allows our clients to go online and look at the to save businesses up to £115 million on an annual basis.
application at any time, anywhere in the world.” However, the logistics of rolling out a paperless settlement
David Morton, Senior Architect, Home Architects. platform to the asset management industry is challenging as it
comes at a time of difficult market conditions for firms who have
Electronic processing removes much of the administration their priorities elsewhere. As a result take-up by business has
usually associated with submitting planning applications and been slower than anticipated, however delivery by May 2010 will
has saved businesses almost £40 million annually. still be considerable.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 29

30. HMT
Paperless Settlement
" It could take up to ten days or more to
settle a UK fund transaction," says Andy.
"We estimate that settlement will now take
“The TUC is pleased to have been part of the External
place more regularly in just four days." Validation Panel; it is very important that the experience
Andy Rudd, Product Manager, euroclear UK & Ireland of those affected by regulation is brought to bear in
scrutinising the work Departments are doing to make
Euroclear, based in Brussels, owns the UK’s central securities
depository, which specialises in the settlement of securities sure that regulation is effective, simple and accessible.”
transactions. Its paperless approach in settling transactions, Sarah Veale, Trades Union Congress
primarily in bonds and equities, is based on electronic debits
and credits of cash and securities positions.
“The External Validation Panel is a necessary reality
Before the recent change in legislation, transaction processing
for one remaining UK asset class – investment funds – which is
check on the empirical approach to improved
highly prevalent within the asset or fund management sector, regulation. The examination of Departmental
continued to be carried out in paper form. awareness-raising activities and a focus on ensuring
the impact and timing of improvements in the real
Andy Rudd explains: “The manual process meant completing the
word are really important functions of the EVP.”
transaction was time consuming and costly.”
Alexander Ehmann, Institute of Directors
Now these settlement processes for the fund management
sector and those investing in funds can be conducted electronically
potentially saving business £115 million annually by May 2010 .
SECTION 2 | Chapter 1: Year 4: Progress so far 30

31. Chapter 2
The Third Sector
2009 achievements The new Charitable Incorporated
Organisation (CIO) will be the first Charity Commission
The third sector is included in the
Government’s strategy to reduce
incorporated legal structure Increased threshold for external
administrative burdens by 25% by
designed specifically to meet the examination of accounts
needs of charities as enterprises.
May 2010. Many simplification
measures, particularly those
This means dual registration with " I am delighted that the threshold at which
benefiting small business, also
the Charity Commission and charities need to have their accounts externally
Companies House is now examined is to rise from £10,000 to £25,000
benefit the third sector. In addition,
possible. The CIO will reduce red
the Government has made good
tape and provide charity trustees
from 1 April 2009.
progress in addressing specific
with protections similar to those “Many village halls are charities, run by
administrative burdens on the
held by directors of limited
third sector.
companies.
volunteers, but as public buildings there are many
Streamlined Business rules and regulations which they have to comply
Making Life Simpler with. Village hall committees have sometimes had
Practices
for Small Charities to pay someone to examine the accounts so this
Simplifications within the 2006
Charities Act make it easier for
Similar to the Better Regulation will result in cost saving.”
small business strategy, the
third sector organisations to Wendy Dacey, village Halls Adviser
Cabinet Office and Charity
achieve economies of scale for the community council for Berkshire
Commission have a particular
through mergers. Although this is
interest in supporting small
still an area of development for
charities. Simplifications made
the sector, there are signs that
in 2008 are this year beginning
organisations are beginning to
to impact positively on the sector.
benefit from the change in the
legislative framework.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 2: The Third Sector 31

32. Making Employment The Department for Business,
23,000 Small Charities Benefit Law Easier Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the
OTS have made a specific effort in
Benefits to a typical small charity with annual Regulations such as employment 2009 to help ensure that third
income of £10 - £25,000 law impact as much on the third sector employers have better
sector as other sectors. It can access to the latest employment
1. Need only complete part of Annual Return form. be challenging to keep up to date guidance through Business Link,
2. No longer required to be subject to external scrutiny with changes to employment law which has brought £418 million of
(independent examination or audit). which is why the Office of the annual savings to employers in all
3. No longer need to routinely submit accounts and Third Sector (OTS) is launching sectors. This information will be
Trustees Annual Reports to the Charity Commission. a Law & Regulation web portal. available on the OTS Law &
This online service provides a Regulation web portal by
4. More accessible, consistent advice and guidance summary of regulatory changes
via Charity Commission Direct http://www. December 2009.
which have an impact on the sector.
charitycommission.gov.uk/Library/tcc/pdfs/ccdirect.pdf
5. Easier and more convenient way to update
registration details online.
6. Some charities will benefit from a simplified process:
• for spending small amounts of capital;
• to facilitate mergers; and
• to streamline trustee indemnity insurance and
trustee payments for the provision of services.
7. Stronger influence through partnership work with
small to medium charity umbrella bodies.
This represents over £1.66 million of savings.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 2: The Third Sector 32

33. Wider Simplification
BIS Reducing Funding & Monitoring Burdens
Employment Law Organiser: Funding and monitoring is often highlighted as imposing the most
Better access to advice guidance burden on the third sector.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has In 2009 the Office of the Third Sector published ‘Principles of
launched a free desktop tool. Proportionate Monitoring’5 and collaborated with the National Audit
Office to publish ‘Intelligent Monitoring’6. These reports encourage
Employment Law Organiser provides a summary of the key Government Departments to take account of the third sector in
obligations that every employer in a small to medium sized creating less burdensome monitoring regimes.
enterprise (SME) needs to meet – from small business managers
to charity directors – and includes links through to the relevant A number of Departments including DCSF, DfT and MoJ have
free guidance on the Business Link website. embedded the principles of these reports into grant-making practices.
This will begin to benefit third sector organisations in 2009 to 10.
As many third sector organisations don’t have a dedicated HR team
to help out, the new tool will make it much simpler for bosses to
comply with their obligations, saving them time and money.
Sitting as an icon on a PC desktop, Employment Law Organiser
can be opened quickly and used when needed.
The Employment Law Organiser will be automatically updated as
and when new legislation is introduced helping employers keep up
to date with their obligations.
Employment Law Organiser is in addition to the £418 million
of savings delivered through the employment law guidance
programme.
www.businesslink.gov.uk/employmentlaworganiser
5. http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/216752/principles.pdf
6. http://www.nao.org.uk/guidance_and_good_practice/toolkits/intelligent_monitoring.aspx?alreadysearchfor=yes SECTION 2 | Chapter 2: The Third Sector 33

34. DCSF
Proportionate Monitoring of Grants
"We have to answer a number of key questions
about how we run the project, what we've
achieved, how we've done it.
“It used to take me about two hours to do the report and we had
to send it in four times a year. Now the reporting process has
changed to twice a year and I can get it all done in an hour, which
is a real time saver. And the new templates are much easier to
use. It’s very valuable for us to save that time. Having the ability
to produce very simple but informative paperwork in a far
reduced style is fantastic for us.”
carol olley, Project Manager, transplant Sport
The charity Transplant Sport currently receives a three year
grant from the Children, Young People & Families
grant programme.
Project Manager Carol Olley very much welcomes the recent
move by DCSF to simplify the process by which she has to report
back on how the money is being used and cut back on red tape
and administrative burden. For Carol, the reduction in paperwork
is now proving much less time consuming.
Overall, these changes are estimated to have saved
organisations £30,000.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 2: The Third Sector 34

35. Chapter 3
Helping Small Businesses
Small and medium sized strategy has embedded the
enterprises (SMEs) are ‘Think Small First’ principle 1. Departmental ‘think Small First’ Approaches
critical to the success of the into new policy development.
UK economy. SMEs represent The ‘Think Small First’ principle is embedded across Government.
• Reducing administrative From December 2008 Government is committed to explain why it
99% of businesses in the UK.
burden: Through the has included small business in the remit of all secondary
This includes sole traders.
Administrative Burden legislation. This system will apply to primary legislation from
The contribution SMEs make
Reduction Programme, the the 2009-2010 Parliamentary session.
to UK GDP is important both for
Government has a commitment
maintaining employment and
to reduce administrative
economic activity through the
burdens imposed by existing Examples of
downturn and providing growth
regulations for all firms,
as we look towards recovery.
including small firms, by
Departmental Think
The Government’s commitment 25% by May 2010. Small First Approaches
to reducing the administrative The Department for Transport
• Improving Guidance: has adopted the ‘Think Small
burden of regulation for small
An ongoing focus of the First’ principle in its approach to
businesses in the UK is most
Administrative Burden implementation of an EU Recast
clearly demonstrated through
Reduction Programme has Framework Directive.
three initiatives.
also been to improve guidance,
• Think Small First: The 2008 specifically to assist small
Enterprise Strategy set a new firms. This has also led to
approach to new and existing considerable savings for
regulations for firms employing small businesses.
fewer than 20 people. The
SECTION 2 | Chapter 3: Helping Small Businesses 35

36. The Government has simplified • private companies no longer
DfT the company law framework prohibited from providing
Individual Vehicle Approval through the Companies Act 2006. financial assistance for the
The Act has now resulted in purchase of their own shares;
"After using the new Basic IVA regulations on annual savings of £390 million
• simpler rules on share capital,
many occasions, I wanted to write to you and for businesses by simplifying the
removing provisions that are
thank DfT and BIS for really listening to and regulation and using a ‘Think
largely irrelevant to the vast
accommodating our representations over the last Small First’ approach. The
majority of private companies
changes include:
three years. and their creditors; and
• separate and simpler model
“We only import very low volumes of left-hand drive North • separate code of accounting
Articles of Association for
American vehicles built to FMVSS and CMVSS standards and and reporting requirements
private companies, reflecting
they cater for a tiny enthusiast market in the UK. The complicated for small companies.
the way small companies
Recast Framework Directive has been implemented in a
operate; These changes make it easier
proportionate way for the micro industry sector that we represent.”
to set up and run a company,
• private companies not required
American Imports Agents Association encourage a long-term
to have a company secretary;
investment culture and provide
The Department for Transport used an EU directive as an • private companies not required additional flexibility for investors
opportunity to introduce alternative national schemes for to hold an annual general in small firms.
manufacturers building vehicles for sale only in the UK. meeting;
Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) is also available to independent
importers of vehicles from outside the EC. These national • making it easier for companies
schemes will be significantly cheaper than the cost of applying to take decisions by written
for approval under the EC scheme. resolutions;
SECTION 2 | Chapter 3: Helping Small Businesses 36

37. BIS 2. Reducing Administrative Burden
Company Law on existing regulations
"As a designated member in a husband and wife The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has introduced new help for
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), I just SMEs. A risk assessment and policy template has been developed
wanted to say thank you so much for the clear for lower risk SMEs. This template combines the requirements of
a risk assessment, health and safety policy and written record of
drafting of the new LLP Application of health and safety arrangements into one document, saving time,
Companies Act 2006. resources and costs.
“Your approach of taking the relevant sections of the 2006 Act The template was launched on 1 September 20097.
and restating them in full as they apply to Limited Liability
Partnerships is SO HELPFUL! I know the Government was trying
to “think small” in terms of the drafting and implementation of 3. Improving Guidance
the Companies Act 2006, but I was a bit concerned that there
would be all sorts of difficult consequential changes for LLPs, The Government has an ongoing programme to improve
however I think you have now avoided this. employment guidance, specifically in relation to small businesses.
One innovation has been the development of a new desktop tool,
“What you did with the Small LLP Accounts Regulations was
the Employment Law Organiser,8 which includes all the facts
also very helpful in restating the full requirements. Also, the
small businesses need to know regarding employment law. It
whole approach of giving clear implementation dates well
provides small businesses with access to advice and tools, is
ahead is really helpful.”
updated as and when new legislation comes through and has a
Dr Gareth G Morgan, the Kubernesis Partnership calendar function that acts as a reminder for small businesses.
These changes have brought £900,000 savings for businesses,
as part of £390 million wider savings from changes to
company law.
7. http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/risk-assessment-and-policy-template.doc
8. www.businesslink.gov.uk/employmentlaworganiser SECTION 2 | Chapter 3: Helping Small Businesses 37

38. DCSF BIS
Removal of requirement National Measurements Office –
to send information in hard copy Using a statistical sample to test products
"Having these documents / policies and " We are a small company and these changes
procedures on the website means that they are are really welcome, particularly during the
easily accessible for parents and also updated current economic downturn. We anticipate the
when necessary without having to send out paper new policy will save our business approximately
copies every time." £15,000 every year, a significant and very
Grantham Farm Montessori School welcome benefit."
David House, technical Advisor of Beaumont tM Ltd
The school, an SME, welcomes the removal of the requirement to
send out hard copy information to parents, allowing them to Previously, regulations required each individual alcoholic
publish information online instead as a “step in the right direction”. spirit measuring instrument to be tested to ensure it met the
The removal of this requirement will save schools £16.3 million annually. legal requirements.
Improvements in manufacturing techniques now mean that some
manufacturers can produce instruments in consistent ‘batches’ -
if one instrument passed the test then it was probable that all the
instruments in the batch would pass the test.
Following consultation, the National Measurement Office
amended the legislation to allow the option of testing samples
of the batch as opposed to testing every instrument.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 3: Helping Small Businesses 38

39. BIS
The National Measurement Office
Self-verification of equipment BIS
"Like all responsible businesses we strive to Employment Law Tools
reduce our carbon emissions and the changes have " It is important to be on top of how to manage
enabled us to test, adjust and verify in one visit. your employment obligations if you want to be a
This has allowed us to make better use of our successful and competitive business. As a small
resources overall including a reduction in costs in business, you have to watch every penny and get
excess of £200,000. Our customers also benefit as much support as possible. I subscribe to the
from the single visit, through reduced charges, Business Link newsletter service and look at
less disruption, and not having inaccurate the site.
dispensers out of action." “The tools on the site are very useful and simple to use.
Michael Hollier, MD, Retail & Forecourt Solutions Ltd When I need specific advice I will turn to the professionals but
do a lot of the groundwork myself, and using the site isn’t time
"This will benefit the nine and a half thousand consuming or complicated.
fuel retail sites in the UK, at least seven and “We often employ part-time staff and being up to date with the
a half [thousand] of these being small to latest in employment law and legislation helps us to be confident
medium-sized enterprises." when it comes to recruitment decisions.”
A spokesperson from the Petrol Retailers’ Association John charles, catering2order
Manufacturers, installers and repairers of trade equipment John Charles established Catering2Order in 2007 and now
are now able to self verify after they have adjusted equipment employs 15 staff. Since the early stages of setting up his
to improve its accuracy. business, he has used many of the tools available on
www.businesslink.gov.uk
This change has mainly benefitted petrol and diesel retailers
whose equipment is subject to quite frequent repair. It has saved Improvements to employment law guidance have saved
the retail fuel industry approximately £615,000 a year. businesses £418 million a year.
SECTION 2 | Chapter 3: Helping Small Businesses 39

40. SECTION 3
Wider Simplifications
(outside of Admin Burden
Reduction Programme)
Chapter 1 The Public Sector
Chapter 2 Simplifications at the European level
Chapter 3 Reducing policy burdens and irritants
40