§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the cost to the private sector of new employment regulations introduced since May 1997. [6277]
§ Alan JohnsonRegulatory Impact Assessments have been prepared in support of all new employment legislations that have involved significant costs to business. The annual costs to employers for those provisions that can be quantified is £4.8 billion. This includes recurring administration costs of £25 million to £29 million and one-off administration costs of £37 million to £45 million. The remainder has involved direct benefits to workers through higher pay, more annual leave and better treatment in the workplace.
These are the costs to all employers. It is not possible to separate costs between private sector employers and public sector employers. The Government's employment legislation also brings benefits to employers.