A NEW survey claims that businesses in the south west are failing to cope with new legislation on IT compliance.

The research suggests that only nine per cent of those responsible for compliance feel that they are fully aware of the legislation relating to IT issues.

Over half find IT regulation a burden on their business, and 88 per cent expect the burden to increase this year.

The survey, by Star Internet, also claims that the majority of businesses do not turn to their internet service provider for help in ensuring that they are complying properly.

Stuart Penny, managing director of Miracle Services Ltd in Swindon, said: "Nobody has approached us about compliance and we are an IT services company, so that appears to bear out the results of this survey, showing that only nine per cent are aware of the legislation.

"It certainly doesn't seem to be high on the agenda of our clients, or else they are not talking to us about it.

Mr Penny believes that in the wake of the Enron investigation compliance will be an increasing pressure on businesses.

"With the threat from viruses and hackers, security is a major issue," he said.

Andy Poulton, E-business advisor for Business Link Berkshire & Wiltshire, said: "There are many pieces of legislation that affect small businesses, particularly in the field of computing and technology and even more so when businesses are using the internet.

"The 88 per cent who believe it will get worse are quite right. Swindon and south west companies should be aware of two pieces of existing legislation that are likely to impact later this year.

"Changes to the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act highlight the importance of making all websites accessible to the visually impaired. Currently only about 30 per cent of UK websites are fully accessible.

"Secondly, changes to the Computer Misuse Act are likely to bring added responsibilities to businesses to ensure that they are adequately protected against virus attacks and hacking."