Legislative agenda gives new freedom to leaders

These welcome measures should provide greater freedom for managers and leaders to create working environments that can fully engage employees and help drive UK economic growth.

CMI’s member surveys show that more flexible working arrangements and shared parental leave have been demanded for many years by the majority of managers. The new Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill which promises to repeal unnecessary legislation and limit state inspections of companies is also very welcome, but businesses leaders will need to see the detail to see how much of the regulatory burden will be lifted in practice.

We recognise the argument that changes in the law can be disruptive to employers, especially smaller organisations which lack dedicated legal and HR resources, and policy in these fields has certainly been evolving and changing over recent years.

As such, employers will need to understand the benefits of the proposed reforms and the Government will need to work more closely with professional bodies and other employer organisations to support new ways of working. If implemented effectively, this agenda will transform management attitudes and achieve lasting change, to the benefit of employers and employees alike.