A new Government Bill designed to reduce the burden of regulation on employers has been welcomed by a leading Sussex business group.

Mark Froud, chief executive of Sussex Enterprise, said the measures contained in the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill could be a "major step forward".

British Chambers of Commerce figures show that red tape has cost Sussex businesses £1.15 billion since 1998 and is a significant barrier to growth for smaller companies.

The new Bill requires regulators to consider "five principles of good regulation", which will include a risk-based and proportionate approach to regulation.

Mr Froud said: "The new measures detailed in the Bill are long overdue and employers will be looking to the Government to deliver on these promises."

Tuesday, January 17, 2006