§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to help small businesses minimise the impact of regulations dealing with(a) parental leave and (b) working time regulations. [129950]
§ Ms HewittOfficials consulted widely with business and business organisations, and implemented parental leave regulation with a light touch to ensure that they were fair to both employers and employees. To help people understand and adapt to the new regulations, the Department of Trade and Industry has produced clear and detailed guidance material. My right hon. Friend is leading a review of maternity pay and parental leave, and it will consider as part of its remit whether it is possible further to simplify legislation in this area.
373WThe Working Time Regulations implemented the Working Time Directive in the UK so as to balance the proper protection of workers with minimising burdens on business. The 1999 amendments to the Regulations both simplified the record-keeping requirements and provided for the provision of statutory guidance.
Guidance on both parental leave and working time is available in hard copy or on the DTI internet site www.dti.gov.uk/er