There were 70,943 calls to the helpline in 2005, up from 55,036 in 2004. Most calls related to disciplinary procedures.
Of these, the largest increases were seen in calls on dismissal, up to 7,583 calls from 2,771 (an increase of 174%) and grievances, which were up 118% to 2,442.
Queries on paternity and adoption leave grew 100% in 2005, while calls on employers' liability were up 96% to 736 and calls on flexible working grew 93%. Conversely, calls concerning unfair dismissal dropped 71% between 2004 and 2005, while calls on wrongful dismissal fell 76%.
“There are at least 26 Acts of Parliament on employment issues and it is tough for small firms to deal with all their requirements, as these figures show,” said Sandy Harris, FSB Members' Services Chairman.
He continued: “We do not want to repeal or reduce all legal safeguards for employees. But without a simplification of employment law small firms’ growth will continue to be stifled. If the Government wishes to achieve its aims for future economic prosperity then it should take its foot off the pedal on employment legislation.”
