"In the current climate business will be dismayed that a number of the proposals threaten to add to business costs and burdens at a time when companies can least afford them."
On Supplementary Business Rates:
"We are not opposed to the idea in principle that local councils should be able to raise funding to pay for infrastructure projects which will benefit companies. However, any decision to raise rates has to be done with the full co-operation of business and not taken unilaterally."
On the banking system:
"The increased cost of and, tighter conditions attached to, lending is probably the single biggest issue that companies are currently facing. Whilst government has gone some way towards unblocking the arteries of the financial system there is an urgent need to put in place a new banking system that is fit for purpose as far as industry is concerned."
On flexible working
, EEF Head of Employment Policy, David Yeandle, said:
"At a time when companies are facing major issues arising out of the flexible working legislation that already exists the decision to extend it further next year sends a bad signal to business. Manufacturers support the principle of flexible working but must be given more time to adjust to the regulations and manage demands that already exist."
ENDS