Editorial Comment

A little common sense

Ok, so I have just spent a very pleasant week in Cannes, struggling with excesses of Champagne and an abundance of corporate and private hospitality. Having spent most of that time in the company of fellow die-hard Brits, I have not quite forgotten that the French ignore our best efforts at their silly language and are very good at telling us how poor we are at being Europeans.

Before I strain the entente cordiale too much, let me add that they do have a point about our European credentials, but not for the reasons you might think. In common with the approach of many other good Europeans, the French are French first and Europeans next. They interpret EU regulations, rather than slavishly adhere to them. Civil Service take note.

Now there is clear merit in a strong Europe and none at all in trying to escape the advantages of the geographical and cultural links that bind us to our continental cousins. But let's put a stop to this rabid antipathy to all things EU, and take a common sense approach before our resistance creates even greater heavy-handed interventions.

Taking a few examples: Temporary staff is the life-blood of many companies. How often have you discovered a gem working as a temp? Look after them and they can breathe fresh vigour into a situation. Good staff is hard enough to find and having the chance to test somebody in the real heat of battle should be welcomed. Good terms of employment after a short qualifying time in post make good sense.

Days off are a constant problem for UK plc. Perversely, we seem to resent the days that are public holidays, but our continental friends relish their more numerous breaks. Evidence from recent research shows that consequently they are less stressed and happier as a result. Happy staff, more profit.....

Disability access regulations are coming strongly into force and not before time. Of course somebody pays. But taking a very selfish view, it makes common sense to give 100% of our customer's access to our premises rather than just 97%. Similarly, with skilled staff in short supply, easier access offers better value for the investment of recruiting staff.

I will not explore the differences in attitude to European Structural funding. And so on....

No, I have not had a Road to Damascus conversion, but rather seen some of the benefits of finding what we have in common with these "interfering foreigners". Let's hope that the Government will start to take a similar view by seeking a common sense interpretation of these regulations on behalf of UK plc. Or does that remark lack common sense?