Lord Young's role taken over by Mark Prisk

Following the resignation of Lord Young, Business Minister Mark Prisk has taken over his review of employment law.

Young handed in his resignation last month after making comments regarding the recession which provoked a backlash.

Now, Prisk will step into his shoes and continue the review of how Whitehall assists small businesses across the country. Prisk will also be responsible for overseeing the health and safety reforms which were recommended by Young earlier this year.

Another 'enterprise tsar' is not going to be appointed to replace Lord Young, much to the dismay of The Institute of Directors (IoD).

The role, which would have seen Young leading independent reviews into the challenges facing business growth and job creation, will remain unfilled.

IoD director general, Miles Templeman, said, “Lord Young's remit was nice and specific. Someone was going to do it and we would get feedback from it. Now it's gone into the general regulation hopper. We were hoping they would appoint someone else, a businessman, to do it.”

Chief executive of the Forum of Private Business, Phil Orford, said, “It would have been good to see clear independence in the review of employment law and red tape but it's important to note that the Government is taking it seriously and the baton is being passed on.

“We hope Mark Prisk will give this important matter the level of attention it requires,” he added.