Mike is encouraging residents across Kingswinford and South Staffordshire to support local businesses “more than ever” this Small Business Saturday - especially following the introduction of Labour’s National Insurance Jobs Tax.
Small Business Saturday is a national day created to encourage shoppers to take a closer look at local firms to see what they have to offer, particularly as shoppers are more likely to be deciding where to spend on the build up to Christmas, and takes place this Saturday.
With the number of businesses closing in the week after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget having increased by 64 per cent compared to the previous year – and the Office for Budget Responsibility estimating an additional cost to businesses of £800 per employee – many are fearing there is worse to come as businesses make the tough decisions needed to make ends meet in the face of the additional costs.
Mike said:
“Small businesses and family firms across Kingswinford & South Staffordshire make up the lifeblood of our economy and local communities.
“That’s why it’s so frustrating to see the Labour Government piling further pressure onto these businesses, not just threatening these firms but also 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 – that’s why we all need to do what we can to support small businesses this weekend and beyond.”