Responding to reports that the Government is considering increases in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for business owners and employees, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Mike Cherry said:
“Breaking a manifesto promise by increasing NICs just at the moment when firms are struggling to get back on their feet would be devastating for small businesses and the local communities they serve.
“NICs act as a jobs tax, making it harder for small firms to provide opportunities and invest to improve productivity. If this hike happens, fewer jobs will be created by the UK’s small business community over the crucial months ahead.
“This regressive levy is yet another outgoing for small businesses and sole traders to worry about against a backdrop of spiralling input prices, supply chain disruption, a deepening late payment crisis, rent arrears, rates bills returning, skills shortages and emergency loan repayments.
“This Government has rightly recognised the strain that NICs place on employers by increasing the Employment Allowance to £4,000, a move celebrated by firms last year alongside a NICs holiday for those who employ veterans.
“Rather than floating tax hikes, it should be continuing in that vein – reducing the jobs tax to give small firms the breathing space they need to spur our economic recovery.
“The measures put in place by the Government are already aiding job creation at the point when help is most needed. This mooted tax hike would reverse that progress when policymakers should be looking to build on it, with a further £1,000 uprating of the Employment Allowance.”
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Notes to Editors
About FSB
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy.
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About FSB
As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.