In all, 84% of Forum members reported an increase in time spent complying with legislation since 2009, when the not-for-profit organisation's previous ‘cost of compliance' Referendum survey took place.

Further, 67% of respondents are being forced to spend more money on external consultants to help them avoid legal pitfalls.

The European Commission says its efforts to cut unnecessary administrative burdens are progressing well. They claim they are making the lives of businesses easier, in particular small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthening European competitiveness.