National Insurances increases putting small businesses under even more pressure – Swann

Following a debate on the changes to Employer’s National Insurance contributions, Robin Swann MP said:

“Our small and medium-sized businesses, as well as larger enterprises, have faced unprecedented obstacles and challenges in recent years.

“The fall out of Brexit has seen a growing number of distributers and suppliers refusing to ship to Northern Ireland, and haulage companies having difficulty moving goods to and Northern Ireland and Great Britain, and I have spoken to local businesses in South Antrim who have shared these first-hand experiences with me. These issues, coupled with the rising cost of living, have put immense pressure on many local businesses. 

“The government’s decision to raise the National Insurance contribution rate for employers from 13.8% to 15%, and to lower the threshold from which National Insurance is paid, in addition to a notable rise in minimum wage, will simply be unaffordable for many firms and I worry jobs may be lost as a result. 

“It is essential that our local enterprises are supported – not placed under even more pressure by the government. That is why I voted against this change, and it highlights the importance of being there to stand up and vote on behalf of these businesses.”