Is the UK small business being victimised by government?

Question

I run a small business here in the UK, I employ 3 staff and there are 3 family. Firstly I only employ because to provide the high level of service that we do, staff are necessary. I pay well above minimum because skills are required. Staff holidays are an inconvenience because I have to cover their time off on top of my already 60 to 70 hour week. This year the government are making it compulsory to give an extra 8 days paid leave, making a total of 28 which I can neither afford to pay or physically cover myself. I am considering closing the business as this is really just another government imposed burden on top almost one new one every week. The real losers here are the employees who given the choice would sooner be in work rather than the extended holiday that is looming. What would you do?

Victorian mill owner eh  I think my socialist credentials far outweigh any member of this ultra right wing government. My family who started and run this business putting in upwards of 60 hours a week each take home less money and have fewer holidays than all the full time staff. We work in a very competitive industry so putting up prices would only bring about closure sooner. I used to work full time in the business but now days are filled with government red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy. Personally I think that this country is finished, there are no real jobs, there is no real production anymore, everyone wants to be a consultant or advisor while all the time the real work is being exported to countries with lower labour costs. Only monopolistic organisations and government can get away with increasing charges to pay their way.

Answer 1

I would increase my charges to all my customers. Inthe evenbt that any protest, I would quote the extra holiday costs as the reason.

If the Bunisness is not viable, just chuck it in - or employ Polish, India or Chinese workers.

Answer 2

You appear to have the attitude of a Victorian Mill owner towards your staff! Your business is obviously your passion and it makes you a living or you wouldnt do it - but you can't do it off the backs of others in the 21st century.
Sorry, but in my view, everyone is entitled to be treated as a human being and have holidays, sick pay, etc. I would hate to see us going back to how things were 100 yrs ago.

Answer 3

Staff are not compelled to take all their holidays. Just because legislation gives them 28 days, they can choose to forego them. So if they really would rather work than be paid to rest, just ask them not to take the extra. Thats if you really believe they want to work rather than have time off.

Answer 4

Been there..done that....sold up and now on the dole...fed up of paying it in thought I would draw it out for a change. I found being in business a little like being constipated...for you can expend a grate deal of energy with very little to show for it in the end.