Implementation Periods

Small business given time to change

Owners of small businesses often draw attention to the fact that legislation introduced quickly may not leave enough time for them to prepare, absorb and implement the changes.

Prime Minister Tony Blair in November 2000 committed the government to giving business a minimum of 12 weeks notice to guidance before new legislation is implemented and that Departments make available guidance to business for the same period.That is, when planning to bring legislation into effect allow enough time for a 12-week implementation period. It is expected that the guidance offered will be appropriate and helpful to small business.