Employers: Workers becoming too powerful

News Article - 12 April 2007
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Recently implemented employment rights have served to increase the power of employees, their employers have claimed.

According to a study by accountancy firm Tenon, 70 per cent of small business owners feel that their employees have too much power following changes to the laws regarding age discrimination, flexible working and sexual orientation.

Michaela Johns, director at Tenon, said that the volume of new employment legislation was to blame for the results.

"My clients find it tougher to be a good employer, with the whole work-life balance drive, and also to make money, which is why they are in business in the first place."

"The government must be wary of the kind of stringent employment laws which have strangled many businesses on the Continent," she added.

A range of new laws are expected to come into force this week, affecting the paternity, maternity and adoption rights of employees, as well as allowing flexible working for those who care for adults.

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