§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is taking to improve information and advice for businesses on employment rights. [92030]
§ Alan JohnsonI firmly believe that there is a strong need for clear, straightforward and easily accessible information and guidance for businesses on employment rights.
Businesses can obtain guidance on employment rights from a number of sources: I welcome Acas' planned expansion of their advisory work and the recent introduction of a national number for their helpline service. Information is also available on the Acas, DTI and Business Link websites. The Small Business Service (SBS) is developing a pack specifically for start up businesses to accompany its fact sheets and other services.
Even with the variety and high quality of these services I am aware of the need for continuous improvement to ensure we meet the needs of business. As part of this process my department is working with Acas and SBS and an advisory group of user organisations to improve the way information and 502W guidance on employment rights is made available to the different groups of users, including the e-delivery of information.