Anderson Review flags up challenges for SMEs

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) was invited to take part in the launch of the Anderson Review which focusses on the guidance and support needs for small and medium enterprises.

The independent review ìThe Good Guidance Guide: Taking The Uncertainty Out of Regulationî was commissioned by the Government and was undertaken by small business specialist Sarah Anderson. Sarah was previously Chief Executive of the Mayday Recruitment Agency, a former member of the REC Board and Chair of FRES, the forerunner of the REC.

The review includes a range of recommendations such as providing smaller businesses with better guidance on regulatory compliance in order to avoid unnecessary cost and bureaucracy and to limit the risk of employment tribunals. In particular, recent research has highlighted that key areas of uncertainty for SMEs included understanding health and safety, and employment legislation.

It revealed that that of the total of 750 SMEs surveyed, 51 per cent said they found compliance with employment laws a challenge while reducing uncertainty surrounding recruiting new employees could lead to the creation of up to as many as 150,000 new jobs.

Commenting on the launch of the Anderson Review, Kevin Green, the RECís Chief Executive said: ìThe report highlights a number of difficult challenges faced by SMEs on a daily basis. The majority of recruitment agencies are themselves SMEs and will welcome some of the recommendations such as the need for better guidance and support on new regulations and compliance issues.

ìAt the same time, there will always be a need for specific guidance in different sectors which is why the work of trade associations such as the REC is increasingly recognised by Government.î

The REC is continuing to develop its own business support services for members and current services such as the free legal helpline already play a key part in helping members to navigate the regulatory minefield.