You will remember Financial Times columnist Luke Johnson - he of the 'The truth about the HR department' article that caused such a stink among the profession at the start of the year.
He launched a scathing critique labelling human resources a "necessary evil", and a term "that should strike fear into the heart of every self-respecting entrepreneur". He even compared HR's power within an organisation to that of the CIA and the Israeli intelligence service Mossad.
Well, he's back, but his musings in last week's FT was something HR professionals should read for different set of reasons. The vast number of employment regulations are "an intolerable burden on the private sector", he says.
He calls on "the authorities" to make hiring and firing less of a quagmire and "well-meaning but bureaucratic". None of these regulations were in place during the last recession, he adds.
The unions would undoubtedly have a field day with some of his views, but Johnson raises an interesting point. The landscape is likely to get even more complex with the introduction of the Equality Bill, probably within the next two years.
I find myself agreeing with Johnson when he says employers need a root-and-branch revision of employment laws. Perhaps something the Conservatives can prioritise if (and when) they win the next election.
