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In recent years, the red tape involved in employing someone seems to have multiplied out of control. Rules, rules and more rules. How can you comply with them all? How can you even know what they are? One of the problems this creates is the potential for arguments between employers and employees - the workers know they have some rights, but aren't always sure what they are, and may think they are entitled to more than they are getting. The employer wants to comply with the rules, but doesn't want to be taken for a free ride.

There is a new website to help employers and employees find out and understand their rights and obligations under the law. It's at www.tiger.gov - TIGER stands for Tailored Interactive Guidance on Employment Rights ('Tailored Interactive' were clearly added to make a catchy word!). The website has sections on National Minimum Wage, maternity and paternity leave and pay, and flexible working. There are quick links to all the related government websites so you can follow up the particular detail you want, and you can look at guidance notes or the rules themselves.

It's slightly worrying that there are separate links to 'guidance for workers' and 'guidance for employers', then another to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, presumably in case the different links lead to a disagreement.

There may be an unreasonable number of rules to comply with as an employer, but at least they are making it easier to find out what they are. That is some sort of progress!