Local MP, Sir Ashley Fox, met recently with the Burnham-on-Sea Chamber of Trade to hear first hand of the challenges facing local businesses in light of the Government’s budget announcements.
Sir Ashley listened to worries at the meeting on January 3rd over what was described as a ‘triple whammy’ of National Insurance increases, above inflation wage increases, and extended workers rights from day one. Many expressed concerns that they would have to freeze or even cut staff following the changes.
“Everyone in the room agreed with the need to treat workers well,” commented the MP after the meeting, “but the Chancellor’s proposals massively increase the cost of labour and that will have direct consequences for the labour market. It will reduce recruitment, deter investment and increase unemployment.”
“The Government seems to have embarked on a deliberate anti-enterprise agenda and I have yet to meet a single business supporting the changes. There were certainly none in the room today.”
“I will continue to oppose these changes and urge the Government to work with businesses and support economic growth. They are going down the wrong path and it will make us all poorer.”
