Firms slash legal costs

02/12/2008

UK firms have slashed the amount they spend dealing with employment law, the Department for Business and Regulatory Reform (BERR) has clamed.

It said research by ORC of more than 1000 companies revealed dramatic reductions in the cost of administration.

It found that money spent on maternity and paternity leave pay, flexible working time applications and the National Minimum wage were all reduced.

BERR said businesses are now saving £418 million a year by following free advice and using its simple online tools.

"Our ambitious programme to cut the costs of regulation on business is already achieving positive results, but there is still more we can do," said employment relations minister, Pat McFadden.

He explained the department was "focused on doing everything we can to help business, without harming rights at work".

The Confederation of British Industry has supported the government's initiative calling it "a welcome campaign, offering businesses helpful advice about how they can cut down on admin associated with employing people".

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