CHAIRMAN of the RMIF, Paul Williams, reports dealers are largely impressed with this year’s Queen’s Speech.
‘The return of economic stability is vital for UK business, but there were a number of other relevant areas covered in the Queen’s Speech that are likely to have an impact during the next few years,’ he said.
He saw the Bank Deposit Bill as particularly positive. ‘By allowing the Bank of England and other authorities to intervene when a bank gets into severe difficulties, the proposed Bill would provide a further level of protection to the UK’s financial sector, protect banks, and also protect savings.
‘This would help consumer confidence, as well as assure the survival of businesses in the event of their bank experiencing problems.’
The Education and Skills Bill is another announcement made by the Queen that will affect car dealers. This proposes an apprenticeship place, by 2013, for every suitably qualified young person.
‘Offering an apprenticeship or equivalent vocational training to young people is vital for the UK economy. This would provide them with a skill, and go some way to reducing the staffing shortages experienced by many industries, including the retail motor sector.’
However, the Bill continues to also ensure the right to time off for ongoing training of ALL staff. Here, Williams was more cautions. ‘The idea of time off for training is laudable, but business will need to be able to accommodate this right.’
Williams is also chair of the RMIF’s training arm, ReMIT. ‘As one of the major motor industry trainers, ReMIT, which currently administers training for 3,000 apprentices, has seen the draft Bill, and we will follow its progress through Parliament.
‘We will continue to work with Government, to make sure that the outcome is practical for business, employees, and young people.’
