MAY TRADE NEWS Warehouse complex proposed for Peterborough Local authorities urged to help businesses improve recycling Business leaders lose faith in the Labour government Sole traders join forces on the Isle of Wight FPB calls for government to cancel fuel duty increase Consumers get better protection from rogue traders Health and beauty sector will grow despite economic slowdown Credit crunch hits wholesale and retail businesses' cash flows CBI reports manufacturers expect to increase prices Businesses attack new agency worker rules Credit crunch 'has not stopped owners selling their businesses' BRC stresses UK firms do not use exploitative suppliers OFT targets retailers who claim to be closing Carbon Trust urged to support small firms London business buck trend as sales increase Bank charges 'could harm small business Small businesses 'could be hurt by extended flexible working rules' BRC reports gloomy sales figures Businesses urged to embrace rail network Business pessimistic about economic future Fuel duty rises 'should be postponed to help businesses and consumers' Report calls for better government support of small businesses Businesses asked for bribes to win contracts Small businesses hit by staff absences Small businesses 'turn to older employees to plug skills gap' Businesses warned of continuing economic slowdown Tories pledge to support small suppliers and local businesses Continuity plans 'vital for small firms' Manufacturers force to pass rising costs on to customers Oxfordshire Retailers Flex Their Muscle FSB steps up campaign to protect local suppliers Small firms 'are turning to bridging loans to maintain cash flows' Government looks to help business by streamlining consumer laws Business disappointed by interest rate hold Shop prices 'only rising slowly' Postal competition 'has not helped small wholesalers' Small firms are turning to bridging loans to maintain cash flows South-west's roads 'need to be improved to help wholesalers' Retailers see April increase in shoppers Government urged to involve small firms in tax forum Good online retail practice satisfies customers Small retailers urged to embrace gift card schemes Commission inquiry not doing enough for small retailers Hornby buys model car maker Corgi Trade News Archive May 08 April 08 March 08 February 08 January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory 21st May 2008 Businesses attack new agency worker rules Business groups have slammed plans unveiled by the government to extend the employment rights of temporary workers. A host of organisations suggested that policies which would give the UK's temporary agency workers the same treatment as permanent employees after just 12 weeks would adversely affect small firms in the country. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said that the move was pointless as agency workers are already covered by all key employment rights. It added the change would only damage the UK's flexible labour market. BRC director general Stephen Robertson explained: "The unions are wrong to regard this as a victory for workers. They will see flexible working opportunities disappear yet not be replaced by permanent jobs. "Adding prohibitive costs will deter companies from using agency workers and twelve week contracts will become the norm - this is not in the interests of employers or workers." The Forum of Private Business (FPB) also attacked the plans. Its chief executive, Phil Orford, said: "Yet again, it is the law-abiding small-business-owner who will suffer from additional regulation. "Increased costs and bureaucracy is an unwelcome burden for our members at a time of financial uncertainty."   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.