The employment protections that come with running a business have not had a negative impact on the economic competitiveness of the UK, a new report has revealed.
Employment protections became a legal part of running a business in 1997 and were brought in to provide additional support for working parents and those on a low wage.
According to the Red Tape Delusion report published by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), great benefits have been derived from introductions like the national minimum wage and greater union recognition rights.
Women have been helped back into work and wages have been raised for the lowest paid.
Those running a business have also seen positives, such as no longer needing to make mass redundancies during a recession because of measures like the right to request flexible working.
In addition, employees have to be told about major workplace changes, which could give them warning of any challenges ahead.
"The modest increase in red tape over the last 13 years has helped the lowest paid get a decent wage, enabled millions of women to continue the careers and made the UK better equipped to deal with the recession," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.
He added many individuals in the business community believe that regulation has stifled the British economy, something he disagrees with.
Almost seven million workers are represented by the 58 affiliated unions of the TUC, an organisation that campaigns and negotiates at home and in Europe, for fair deals at work.
It also strives to build links with businesses, local communities and political parties.
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