Sweeping changes to relax health and safety regulations following the 2011 budget will have a positive impact on the retail industry, according to workplace equipment supplier, Slingsby.

UK Chancellor, George Osborne has said the Government would accept the full recommendations of a major review into health and safety by Lord Young which found many businesses and organisations were increasingly risk-averse for fear of being sued.

Lee Wright, Slingsby marketing director said: “ The main point of these changes is that whilst it is still necessary to ensure workplaces are safe for both employees and visitors, there will be far fewer health and safety checks for ‘low hazard workplaces’ such as retail businesses and simplified guidance is soon to be published outlining the rules they must follow”