Forum calls for changes to National Insurance holiday

The Forum of Private Business has announced what it believes needs to be changed in next month's Autumn Statement to help small businesses grow.

In a five-point plan written to Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, the organisation says that business costs must be reduced, including a cap of two per cent on business rates.

Furthermore, it asks for amendments to be made to the government's National Insurance holiday scheme to reduce employment costs.

The Forum's head of policy, Alex Jackman, said that changes need to come.

"This Autumn Statement is a chance for the Chancellor to make amends for the disappointment that was the March Budget, and really show he understands the challenges the economy faces," he explained.

"Much of that will be real acknowledgement that government is doing everything in its power to reduce the cost of doing business for small business."

Liberal think-tank CentreForum also revealed its proposals earlier this week, saying that £17 billion of savings can be made when Mr Osborne delivers his statement on December 5th.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher

Date published 22 Nov 2012 | Last updated 22 Nov 2012