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27 September 2005 - Controversial Traffic
Light Pilot Scheme
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A controversial pilot scheme is underway in Warwickshire and the
London Burgh of Bexley, whereby a "Traffic Light" system has been put in place
for food safety, health and safety and trading standards companies to be able
to-opt out from the official health and safety inspection system by
self-regulating.
The opt-out pilot scheme comes in the wake of the Hampton report
on regulation, where the report called for inspections by official regulators to
be slashed by a third, as part of the Chancellor, Gordon Brown's drive to reduce
the red tape burden on businesses.
The aim of the pilot scheme is as follows:
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To ensure multiple visits to retailers are avoided.
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To agree a common standard across enforcement agencies and
promote best practice.
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To investigate how to improve the way businesses receive
information and advice on regulatory requirements.
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To establish mechanisms to resolve the conflicting requirements
of different enforcement agencies.
Chancellor Gordon Brown said he would introduce a "risk based"
approach to regulation to break down barriers holding enterprise back and said:
"In a "risk based" approach there is no inspection without
justification, no form filling without justification, and no information
requirements without justification. Not just a light touch but a limited touch."
However, responding to Mr. Brown's comments, a TUC
spokesperson said:
"Nobody is in favour of regulation for the sake of it, but
business arguments about red tape are, in fact, a red herring.
"Professor Michael Porter's study for the Department of Trade
and Industry pointed out that the UK has the lowest level of product and labour
market regulations in the OECD. The TUC will remain vigilant to ensure that
proper standards do not slip as a result of this initiative."
Commenting on the regulation review, Dai Hudd, Assistant General
Secretary of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said:
"The regulation review must not turn into a cowboy’s charter.
"Injuries and deaths at work increased last year and we fear
this trend will accelerate that process.
"The government must respect the experience and expertise of
staff in the frontline and not follow a slavish employer-driven agenda.
"Effective regulation is not just about being nice to
business, it is about maintaining standards."
The Retail Enforcement Pilot Scheme, launched in June 2005, will
run for one year and will be monitored by The Pilot Steering Group, drawing
expertise from such departments as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE),
Trading Standards, Environmental Health, Food Standards Agency (FSA), and the
Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI's) Small Business Service (SBS).
A free CD-ROM is available for businesses, which provides
information, advice and a checklist of regulatory requirements. A
copy can be requested by e-mailing the following:
cuttingredtape@bexley.gov.uk
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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