A comprehensive review of employment relations, recently announced by the Government, is likely to add to the already massive burden of red tape which businesses are currently facing. This is according to the Warrington based Engineering Employers' Federation.

The Federation has informed trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt of its concerns.

The EEF warns that the review is poised to create further resentment among employers over the volume and timing of new legislation that they will now be facing from both the Government and Europe.

The review will to lead to a new employment relations act, due this year. The last one was in l999. Issues involved include statutory trade union recognition, dismissal of strikers, unfair dismissal awards, maternity and paternity leave, time off for domestic incidents and part time work regulations.

The Federation believes that the review is likely to reopen debate on issues which many employers felt had been settled.

Said John Malam, chief executive of the EEF north west: "Our members are deeply concerned that, although the Employment Relations Act has only been in force for a couple of years, the Government still seems determined to press ahead with this comprehensive review of employment legislation. The likely increase in regulatory burdens on manufacturing employers seem to fly in the face of recent ministerial statements about supporting the sector. Instead, employers will feel the Government is looking to appease union concerns. There is no doubt that this could place a heavy burden on business."