Stuart Mason, managing director, Inkshop Printing"It’s a difficult subject. Absolutely there’s too much red tape in general. I don’t doubt, like most government bodies, the HSE could cut costs significantly without compromising service too much. In our industry there are a number of health and safety concerns. However, I think the HSE will be pretty much on the ball and concentrate resources where it knows there are problem sectors or problem businesses. For the employer, health and safety is 90% common sense: although this can often be a scarce resource."
Terrye Teverson, chairman, KCS Print"Over the years, the public sector has not had to make the painful cuts that have hit the private sector. We all have to take some of the strain of cuts. Small businesses are working harder just to stand still. I think that any money for the HSE should be focused on checks on those industries with the highest risk from death like farming and fishing. Most companies now are well aware of their responsibilities. It would be better for the government to target any funding directly to companies for training purposes. I expect it would encourage greater take-up."
Peter Wise director, Minuteman Press"Challenging the public sector to make efficiency savings is in every taxpayer’s interest. Spending cuts represent an opportunity to outsource work to more competitive providers, reduce red tape in public sector tenders and increase competition. The decision to include the HSE in the cost-cutting process is absolutely correct. For SMEs, compliance demands resources, time and money, but this has not been excessive and the results are beneficial. The weakness is where individuals incorrectly interpret or employ a draconian implementation strategy."
