But BPIF head of legal affairs Anne Copley said SMEs could come off worst under the new measures.
"We’ve known about the ‘family friendly’ measures for some time and have forewarned our members," she said. "But in an industry made up of many SMEs, like printing, the increased admin is bound to have an effect."
However, proposals to modernise the employment tribunal process and encourage employers and employees to resolve disputes internally have been welcomed, although still with an element of caution.
"Our members suffer from unfounded tribunal claims that still require a great deal of work by the employer to defend them. But whether the proposals work in practice remains to be seen," said Copley.
In the past Karl Long, managing director of Cardiff-based Colourprint UK, has settled out of court for a claim made against him that he believed would not have stood up in court.
"But to actually put a case together and go to court would have cost more than the employee was offering. As much as I would have liked to have fought my side, you have to think with a business head," said Long.
Employment Bill 2002 – main features
- Six months’ paid and a further six months’ unpaid maternity leave for working mothers
- Two weeks’ paid paternity leave for fathers
- Legal right to apply to work flexibly for parents with children under six years
- New minimum standards for disciplinary and grievance procedures in all workplaces for all employees
- New requirements for employees to raise grievances with employers before applying to a tribunal
- A fixed period of conciliation to aid timely settlement of disputes
Story by Rachel Barnes
