Small businesses are being choked by red tape and inflexible employment laws, claims the woman behind Ultimo lingerie
Employment tribunals are making running a business in Britain "unviable", according to lingerie entrepreneur Michelle Mone, one of Scotland's best-known businesswomen. Mrs Mone, 34, who found fame by creating the Ultimo gel-filled bra six years ago, said the amount of protection given to British workers has created a compensation culture that is stifling productivity and innovation. "Employees have to be protected - in America they're not protected enough, but in the UK I think they're protected too much," said Mrs Mone, founder and co-owner of Glasgow-based MJM International, which she runs with her husband. "It's just unviable for companies at the moment. All the fun has been taken out of having a company. You're frightened to open your mouth."The comments come as Mrs Mone faces accusations that she forced a pregnant employee to quit. Claire Woods, 28, a call-centre supervisor, is claiming sex discrimination against MJM, saying she was told to increase her working hours or face demotion with a cut in pay.