Two business websites have called for the delayed implementation of new sexual harassment rules, due to come into force on 6 April, after it was revealed that the regulations were only laid down in Parliament two weeks ago.

BusinessZone.co.uk and HRZone.co.uk are joining forces after learning that women and equalities minister Harriet Harman used a statutory instrument requiring no debate in Parliament to push through the regulations on March 14.
 
The changes have received little publicity and with the rules coming into force April 6, businesses have had a very limited time to prepare. The last minute introduction is even more worrying given that the government itself admits it will cost small firms £10m to comply.
 
BusinessZone.co.uk and HRZone.co.uk have launched a petition on the Downing Street website at www.petitions.pm.gov.uk/delay-rules/ calling on the government to delay the introduction of the changes until at least October to give businesses time to prepare. The campaign is supported by a group on social networking site Facebook at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10534158911

Companies are told by ministers to visit the Business Link website for advice on regulatory compliance but no information on the sexual harassment rules is currently published on the site. The organisation has so far been unable to confirm when it will be available.
 
As a result, BusinessZone.co.uk and HRZone.co.uk also demand that ministers use the delay to inform small business owners and HR professionals of what they need to do to stay on the right side of the law.