Small firms stifled by too much red tape

1 June 2000


The Federation of Small Businesses has complained to the government that dealing with regulation red-tape is stifling business growth.

A detailed dossier, sent to Cabinet Office Minister, Mo Mowlam reveals highlights the wasted time and physical burden of complying with regulation.

The dossier, compiled directly from members comments, gives a league-table of the most burdensome legislation .

IR35, the legislation that seeks to bring personal service companies into PAYE, was cited by 18%. Other high scorers included Working Time regulations (16.4%). Tax /PAYE, (16.4%), Working Families Tax Credit ( 14.8%), National Minimum Wage (11.5%) and VAT ( 11.5%).

Donald Martin of the FSB, said “Ministers wanted real-life case studies of how regulation is holding back small business growth. This file gives it to them.” The FSB represents about 150,000 members, mostly businesses employing less than 20 people.

Around 500-600 members are involved in laundry and drycleaning.



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