The Deregulation Bill has been developed as part of the Government's plans to 'cut red tape', reinvigorate the economy and help businesses. One of the more controversial changes will be to exempt self-employed people from health and safety law. You've heard the news, now let's examine the facts.
It is the Prime Minister's intention that the Deregulation Bill will limit the "needless" health and safety regulations affecting businesses. A series of regulations will be revoked, which will change the application of health and safety and environmental law at an operational level. These suggested changes will mean that this Government will be the first in history to end a term in office with less regulation on the statute books than when it came into power.
At the Federation of Small Businesses conference, the Prime Minister suggested that businesses will benefit from the relaxation of these regulations and that overall GBP 850 million could be saved each year this way.
One of the more controversial key changes affecting health and safety law is that self-employed people operating in low-risk occupations will be wholly exempted. Government estimates indicate that around 800,000 businesses across the United Kingdom will be exempt.
However, these changes are being viewed with caution. IOSH has commented that although the simplification of legislation is welcomed, the lowering of standards for businesses (which could lead to increased cases of workplace injuries and deaths) would not be. Richard Jones, the head of policy and public affairs stated:
"We think it would be unhelpful, unnecessary and unwise to exempt certain self-employed from health and safety law, as the Government is proposing – causing more of a hindrance than a help...It's important to remember that health and safety failures in the UK cost a staggering GBP 13.4 billion per year... Whereas, good health and safety saves lives, supports business and sustains the economy."
On 3 February 2014 the Bill had its second reading at the House of Commons. The Bill passed without any amendments and will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee.
We will keep the passage of this Bill under review and update you when there are any developments.
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