MP Highlights Struggle of Small Businesses
February 5, 2003 12:00 AM
Local MP, John Thurso, speaking yesterday in the Commons during Scottish Questions, drew attention to the problem facing small businesses in securing proper insurance cover for their workforce due to a massive hike in the cost of employers' liability insurance premiums.
The MP also made reference to the difficulty which many small enterprises, particularly those operating in peripheral areas, experience in obtaining full information about their responsibilities in respect of Health and Safety Regulations and guidance on the practical steps they might have taken to ensure compliance.
John Thurso (Caithness Sutherland and Easter Ross): The Minister will be aware of the massive rise in employers' liability insurance premiums this year, and of the consequence for many small businesses. Given that the work of the Health and Safety Executive is critical in reducing death and injury in the workplace - and, thereby, reducing these costs - what are the Government doing to assist that aim and to help those small businesses?
Mrs McGuire: The hon Gentleman will be aware that the Department for Work and Pensions is consulting on employers' liability insurance, about which there is genuine concern. The Chancellor highlighted the issue in his pre-Budget report in November. I can assure the hon Gentleman that part of the discussions we held yesterday with the Health and Safety Executive and other stakeholders in health and safety included talks with a representative from the insurers' organisations, and there was an exchange of views on this issue. The DWP consultation is, however, key to the way forward on employers' liability insurance.
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