Local businesses across Solihull West and Shirley need the support of their customers more than ever following the introduction of Labour’s National Insurance Jobs Tax, local MP Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst has warned.
Neil was speaking ahead of Small Business Saturday, which takes place this weekend on Saturday 7th December, and was created to encourage shoppers to take a closer look at local firms to see what they have to offer and maybe focus their Christmas shopping on small businesses close to home.
But after the Labour Government brought in the tax on jobs, which the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates will cost businesses an additional £800 per employee, there are fears for the future of the firms in Solihull West and Shirley and across the country.
In fact, the number of businesses closing in the week after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget increased by 64 per cent, compared to the previous year.
And Neil wants people to take another look at the High Street and beyond this weekend, to help give local firms a boost now and in the run up to Christmas.
Small businesses across Solihull West and Shirley are encouraged to complete Neil’s survey by visiting www.drneilshastri-hurst.co.uk/small-business-survey.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP said:
Small businesses and family firms across Solihull West and Shirley make up the lifeblood of the economy here.
But the Labour Government has put all of that under threat with their betrayal of business which is damaging the economy and harming working people.
At this time of year, small businesses should be looking forward to the festive shopping period, but many are fearing for the future of their firms and their livelihoods because of the Jobs Tax.
We have some fantastic businesses here and it is why I hope as many people as possible can support Small Business Saturday, get out to your local high street and see what they can offer. As your local MP, I will do everything I can as an effective Member of the Opposition to stop Labour’s National Insurance Jobs Tax.
In preparation for Small Business Saturday, I have launched a survey for small businesses, and I will be delivering these by hand. In addition to the National Insurance Contribution rises, I also hold deep concerns over the Employment Rights’ Bill. Therefore, I am asking our small businesses to share their views with me, so I can continue to champion our local businesses in Parliament.
