Employer's NI hike will hurt local small businesses

Last week, the Chancellor had an opportunity to do the right thing and reverse her jobs tax in her emergency Budget. Regrettably, she did not.

It means that the rise in Employer’s National Insurance takes effect from next week and it will punish the hard workers, the risk takers, and the job creators. It will hit our economy as businesses think twice before investing and hiring.

I heard first hand from small businesses in Petts Wood about how they are feeling numerous pressures at the moment including high rents and cuts in business rates relief. The hike in NI will only make things worse for them.