Forum demands detail on the deregulation from both sides of the EU debate
With 40 days to go before the polling booths open, the Forum of Private Business is calling for both sides of the EU debate provide some details on deregulation so that business owners can decide whether being in or out of Europe will be beneficial for themselves and their business.
According to the latest BDRC data, legislation and regulation is now a greater barrier to business development than the economic climate amongst employers with fewer than 50 employees. Despite red tape being a key topic of debate, there has been no detail from either side on how they will cut regulation or improve the process for deregulation.
After almost a decade where Forum members have seen increases in regulation, despite being told otherwise by elected officials there is widespread scepticism of any uncosted suggestions. So far the campaign to remain in the EU has promised £10 billion of regulatory cuts in this parliament, while the leave campaign has promised significant reductions in red tape.
Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business explains “I think that the strength of feeling around red tape has taken some people by surprise, but our research shows that the amount of time spent on regulation has not changed at all over the last decade – businesses are bureaucratised to capacity.”
Ian continues, “Our members need real details from both sides on how they will deregulate in a meaningful way so that business owners can assess the viability of the claims. Just because some areas of employment law or health and safety originate from the EU does not mean that they will be cut if the country votes to leave or reformed if the country votes to stay.”
Notes to Editors
Research form the BDRC can be found at
The latest research from the Forum can be found at