Reacting to news of planned changes to the Government approach on EU regulation reform, Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Firms will breathe a huge sigh of relief that steps are being taken to reduce the cumulative burden of red-tape that have placed a stranglehold on their ambition and ramped up cost.
“But they have also been worried about the headlong rush towards the sudden removal of vast swathes of legislation overnight, that could make it harder to compete internationally.
“It is welcome that Government has listened, and the Bill will no longer apply a blanket sunset clause in this way, with the real risk of unintended but negative consequences.
“We will carefully scrutinise the series of measures which are due to be amended or revoked through the revised Bill. There is scope for reducing compliance requirements upon business in some aspects of employment law, making it better for employers and their staff.
“We look forward to working with Government and other policy makers on crafting the appropriate regulatory balance – protecting certainty for business first and foremost but reforming any outmoded rules in the overall economic interest.”
Paul Butterworth, Interim CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said:
“Welsh businesses will greatly appreciate the steps being taken to alleviate the pressure and red tape around them in the current economic climate.
“There has been significant concern on regulatory divergence because of the Retained EU Law Bill, which could see Wales become less competitive and drive business away from Wales.
“Whilst that is still a concern for firms across Wales, it is positive to see the UK Government taking a step in the right direction for businesses. Removing the sunset clause takes away the cliff-edge businesses may have faced and avoids unnecessary consequences in the short term.
“Managing the REUL in the wake of Brexit is a difficult task, and Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid understand that the UK and Welsh Governments must strike a balance to maximise business potential and opportunity while minimising risks to SMEs who are still struggling with the cost of doing business thanks to energy prices and inflation.”
