Small business groups have welcomed the government’s decision to scrap plans to force employers to pay compensation to employees who are injured as a result of workplace crime.
Under proposed changed to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Scheme, wounded staff would receive pay-outs from their companies rather than from state funds.
However, after pressure from business lobby groups, ministers have scrapped the plans.
With the soaring level of crime against businesses pushing insurance costs up, small firms will be relieved that they will not have the extra burden of compensating injured workers.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), whose members are among those at highest risk of crime, welcomed the government’s decision, claiming that the proposals would have cost the retail sector around £10 million a year.
Kevin Hawkins, director general of the BRC, said that the lobby group had fought hard for this victory.
“We are very happy with the government’s decision and glad the voices of retailers have been heard.
“Violence against staff is a serious problem, causing distress to both staff and their employers – but retailers should not be penalised for the criminal behaviour of members for the public and should bot be made responsible for incidents beyond their control.
“We are happy the government took a common sense approach here and decided against shifting yet another burden onto business.
“The retail sector spends £550 million a year on crime prevention and we will continue our efforts in protecting both employees and the business environment,” he said.
