Welcome to Business Policy Roundup
This alert has been produced by the Policy team to summarise information on policy issues with potential importance to business. The aim is to distil the key facts, whilst providing links to the source enabling you to follow up those items of most importance.
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce will keep you regularly updated and informed on current policies, consultations and associated business issues with this newsletter produced fortnightly. For further information or comments on any of the articles featured here follow the associated links or contact Max Boden (Policy Manager) at:boden.m@chamberofcommerce.co.uk
BCC Pensions Survey
The Government published its Pension White Paper at the end of May and is in active consultation with Key Stakeholders.
BCC is aware that Businesses need the minimum of disruption of employees and processes and any change should ideally have no initial or ongoing administrative cost to business.
Could you please the quick pensions questionnaire by visiting the website below:http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/YfxZYKpo-ARNMw.html
This should take no longer than 5 to 10 minutes to complete, butplease note that your response is needed by Friday 11 August.
(Bad) Language at Work
The Chamber has recently been contacted by Diverse, a business TV production company that ismaking a new series for Channel 4 looking at our modern day use of language.
They are looking for a business environment where swearing takes place and are really interested in speaking to both managers and employees who have experiences of swearing at work. For example, they would like to look at why people swear and find out what situations are appropriate for bad language (e.g. accidentally hurting yourself or being stressed). They can offer expert advice and an opportunity for the staff to debate the pros and cons of swearing - and make their own minds up at the end.
If you’re interested in finding out more information, without any obligation, pleaseget in touch with Melody Lander,Tel: 020 7855 7406or click:
http://www.diverse.tv/programme.aspx?id=127
Review of UK Assisted Areas. Stage 2 - The Government's Response and Draft Assisted Areas Map
Closing Date: 07 August 06
This document sets out the Government's response to the first stage the Consultation process of its review of UK Assisted Areas. It also includes the draft proposal for a new Assisted Areas map for the period 2007-2013. The new map will take effect on 1 January 2007 and will replace the current map which will expire on 31 December 2006. The review is in response to new European Commission guidelines on regional aid.
Consultation Documents
Review of the assisted areas. Stage 2: the Government's response and draft assisted areas map
Proposed assisted areas in Great Britain 2007-2013 map
Proposed assisted area coverage in Great Britain 2007-2013
East Midlands receives transport allocation
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) have received confirmation of funding from the Department for Transport for a number of transport schemes over the next ten years, following their submission for the Regional Funding Allocation (RFA) made in January 2006
DfT has confirmed its acceptance of the transport priorities agreed by the region, and confirmed funding for schemes in the first years of the RFA period (06/07 to 08/09). In addition to listing five schemes already under construction, and for which funding was already approved there are a further 12 schemes across the region.
The schemes approved include many with direct links to regeneration and economic development activity, such as the MEGZ M1 motorway junction scheme (Junction 29a), A47 Earl Shilton Bypass (Leicestershire), A158 Burgh Le Marsh Bypass and the A43 Corby Link Road, but also more strategic regional priorities such as the A453 widening scheme (from Nottingham to M1), and A1 junction improvements (Peterborough to Blyth).
The Department for Transport has recognised the importance of the A46 Newark to Widmerpool Improvement Scheme and accepted the region’s advice to put the scheme in the later RFA years (2012/13).
Schemes for funding within the next three years (2006/07 to 2008/09)
Schemes underway
• Oakham Bypass (Rutland)
Approved schemes not yet underway include:
• A1 Peterborough to Blyth Grade Separated Junctions (Highways Agency)
• A453 Widening (M1 J24 to A52 Nottingham) (Highways Agency)
• Coastal Access Imp Phase 2 - A158 Burgh Le Marsh Bypass (Lincolnshire)
• Upperton Road Viaduct (Leicester City)
• A1073 Spalding to Eye Improvement (Lincolnshire/Peterborough)
• A47 Earl Shilton Bypass (Leicestershire)
For further information on this press release please contact Caroline Shutter Head of Communications on 0115 9888540; email:carolineshutter@emd.org.uk
Barker Review Interim report
Kate Barker was asked to conduct a review of planning and land use policy by the Government.
The purpose of the review will be to consider how, in the context of globalisation, and building on the reforms already put in place in England, planning policy and procedures can better deliver economic growth and prosperity alongside other sustainable development goals.
Her interim report has now been published. For background details and to download a copy click:Barker review:index
Kate Barker was asked to conduct a review of planning and land use policy by the Government.
Closing Date: 22-09-06
The Government proposes to extend the current statutory holiday entitlement to reflect the number of permanent bank and public holidays.
There are 8 permanent bank and public holidays in Great Britain. Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, staff are entitled to four weeks' paid holiday each year.
The Government proposes to increase that entitlement to 5.6 weeks, pro rata for part-timers.
The statutory right to paid holiday will be subject to a maximum of 28 days' paid leave per year.
The consultation seeks views on the potential benefits and impacts of increasing the statutory annual leave entitlement from four weeks at present to 5.6 weeks (equivalent to 28 days leave for someone who works 5 days a week) and, in particular, on measures that may help in managing the additional leave.
The proposals apply to England Wales and Scotland
Depending on the outcome of this initial consultation, detailed proposals, including draft regulations, will be brought forward for consultation at the end of the year. Consultation
Link:DTI - Increasing the holiday entitlement - an initial consultation
Department of Health: Smoke free regulations consultation
The Government is seeking views on the proposed regulations to maintain a smoke free environment in virtually all enclosed public places and work places from summer 2007.
Views are sought on issues such as exemptions and signage requirements for smoke free places.
Views are sought from stakeholders on issues such as exemptions and signage requirements for smoke free establishments.
The need for smoke free enclosed public spaces and work places was first addressed in the November 2004 White Paper, Choosing Health: making healthy choices easier.
The closing date for online and written comments is 9 October 2006.
Smoke free regulations consultation : The Department of Health - News