LOCAL business leaders have welcomed the Regulatory Reform Bill which was announced in the recent Queen's Speech.

Bolton and Bury Chamber chief executive Richard Bindless said: "The Regulatory Reform Bill sets out to ease unnecessary and outdated regulations that are burdensome to business, which is an extremely positive step.

"We were particularly pleased that the Prime Minister has identified that the new measures should be used to urgently address the over-complex fire safety rules that mystify many firms."

He added: "But while the Government helps simplify red tape in this manner, we are concerned that the benefits will be overshadowed by plans to introduce yet more employment regulation, particularly paid parental leave.

"Our members are supportive and many adopt family-friendly policies, but they object to Government attempts to force them to do so in ways which undermine the flexibility and competitiveness of a small business."