18/03/2010 - SME legal advice scheme launched
A Government scheme offering advice on employment and health and safety law is being trialled at businesses across the North West.
Run by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the free trial in the region will last for six months.
It is aimed at helping Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SME) understand workplace law better, and offers companies tailored advice to suit their needs.
As part of the trial period, any company that takes up the offer will have their legal costs or tribunal awards incurred covered by the advisor.
Employment Relations Minister Lord Young said: "Every year almost half of businesses seek external advice about how to follow regulations, spending at least £1.4 billion. Insured advice could help companies in the North West feel more confident that they are meeting their legal obligations".
The pilot scheme has been set up in response to the Anderson Review which recommended that the Government should give SMEs access to an insured advice helpline on employment and health and safety law.
The review looked into the best way Government can give regulatory guidance to businesses and made twelve recommendations which aimed to increase the certainty, accessibility and clarity of guidance provided to SMEs. It argued that insured advice could provide the certainty that SMEs want and that existing Government guidance does not provide.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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