Small business owners are being prevented from taking on more staff due to the health and safety restrictions that are being imposed on them, the Federation of Small Businesses has warned.

The organisation claims 72% of small firms believe the administrative requirements of health and safety bureaucracy are more onerous than they were five years ago and is unveiling a report with suggestions on how this burden could be eased.

It points to inspections, new fire safety standards and compulsory employers’ liability insurance as the most demanding aspects.

“Our report has uncovered obstacles to small firms expanding and hiring new staff,” said Mary Boughton, FSB health and safety chairman. “It also has proposals to help the government reduce unemployment by eliminating these obstacles and recommends ways of improving the situation for both employers and employees.

“A simple, jargon-free, health and safety system will make it easier for small businesses to comply,” she added. “This will increase worker protection and free up business owners to grow their firm and create more jobs.”