Latest news with #AutumnStatement
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Who does Labour exist to represent in Starmer's Britain?
Contrary to what many people remember the first Thatcher government, elected in 1979, was comparatively benign compared with what was to come – the miners' strike, mass unemployment, the economic vandalism of the 1980s, the Poll Tax – and Kinnock knew that it was simply a warm-up routine. If Thatcher was re-elected, he told the packed hall and a live TV audience on News at Ten, 'I warn you not to be ordinary. I warn you not to be young. I warn you not to fall ill. I warn you not to get old'. Read More: A politician so cruelly misrepresented in the Conservative media, Kinnock was not only the architect of New Labour, and arguably the best Prime Minister his party never had, he was also the greatest platform orator of his generation. Listening to one of his rousing, charismatic and intelligent speeches, was to be reminded of the power of collective ambition and the glorious possibility of change. Above all, he always stressed the importance of not overpromising and of delivering. Neil Kinnock (Image: PA) What is striking about listening to his words today – more than 40 years later – is that under the current leadership, they might equally apply to the Labour government. Labour leaders have always faced a perilous balancing act in appealing simultaneously to the party faithful and the wider electorate. There are those, like Tony Blair and Harold Wilson, who managed the neat trick of speaking effectively to both. Others, like Jeremy Corbyn and Michael Foot didn't even pretend to be interested in engaging with the latter and succumbed, inevitably to the gravitational effects of their own hubris at the polls. The current leadership appears to be the first in the party's history to speak to neither. Sir Keir Starmer's first year as Prime Minister has been marked by a dramatic collapse in public support, with his net approval rating now worse than all post-Thatcher prime ministers, with the exception of Gordon Brown, at the same stage. Key missteps include his controversial decision – alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves – to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners. This move, justified by a disputed £22billion "black hole", alienated older voters and damaged his reputation, and his inability to deliver on key manifesto pledges accelerated that decline. A recent Public First poll revealed 39% of voters believe he has made no progress on any major promises, including cutting NHS waiting times (24%), restoring order to the asylum system (8%), or improving border security (12%). Tax hikes included in last year's Autumn Statement eroded business confidence, while a prisoner early-release scandal – where a freed inmate thanked Starmer for his "privilege" – deepened the sense of detachment. A disastrous first year was capped with the poor handling of the government's welfare bill, which squeezed through its final Commons stage, only after significant rebellion and concessions. The bill's passage followed weeks of chaos, with ministers forced to scrap PIP cuts for existing claimants and delay changes for new ones. Starmer's low-drama persona, once an asset against Tory turmoil, now appears indecisive, with Reform overtaking Labour in polls and Nigel Farage seen as a stronger leader. The most damaging impact of these failures may well be in the longer term, applied by voters who could be forgiven for wondering who Labour represents and what it stands for. If it is not there to support the 'ordinary, the young, the ill and the old' then what is its purpose? The party is still battling to overcome claims of antisemitism that took root under Corbyn's disastrous, sclerotic leadership. This week Susan Smith, director of the campaign group For Women Scotland claimed the party has an 'ongoing women problem' after Labour MP Tim Roca described gender critical activists as 'swivel-eyed'. While Blair had the benefit of a growing economy when he won a landslide victory in 1997, he also came into office with an identifiable political credo and a sense of purpose. The doctrinal prism through which all policy decisions were refracted, was reform – modernising the party and bringing it more in line with mainstream orthodoxy. While he inevitably alienated parts of Labour's base – not least through his disastrous and, ultimately career-defining, decision to support a US invasion of Iraq – he continued to command popular support. If there's one thing core voters and activists cannot argue against, it's winning elections. The problem for Starmer and his colleagues is that, more than a year into government, voters still have no idea what they stand for. Relying solely on competence for electoral appeal quickly becomes a liability when you make a series of demonstrably incompetent decisions. Before Starmer can begin to address his party's disparity in the opinion polls, he must prioritise reconnecting with its grassroots, to articulate more clearly his values and beliefs, to counter the threat, not only from Farage's snake oil promises, but also from Corbyn's new, and as yet unnamed, party of the far left. He could do worse than start watch another of Kinnock's former speeches, his leader's address to the Labour conference in 1985 when he took on Militant Tendency, the Trotskyist insurgency that threatened to subvert the party from within. His delivery was an object lesson in highlighting the futility of dogmatc obsession and was directed at Militant members who had captured Liverpool City Council, bankrupting it with profligate, illegal spending and then sacking its own employees because it couldn't afford to pay their wages. 'Implausible promises don't win victories,' he told a chastened hall. If Starmer can first convince his party's faithful of that abiding truth, he will be better placed to win over the wider electorate. Carlos Alba is a journalist, author, and PR consultant at Carlos Alba Media. His latest novel, There's a Problem with Dad, explores the issue of undiagnosed autism among older people
Rhyl Journal
11-07-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Impact of NI contributions on business in North Wales
The latest results of its Quarterly Business Report, a leading survey of business sentiment in the region, highlights only one in five businesses (21%) reported an increase in employment over the last three months, a record low outside of the Covid-19 pandemic. The report, based on responses from 90 firms between May 12 and June 9, also reveals that of those employers that attempted to recruit, 75% encountered difficulties, further highlighting the challenges that businesses are encountering in the labour market. Read more: Businesses throw support behind Wrexham's City of Culture bid Skills & Policy Director at the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, Maria Davison, said: "In our Quarterly Business Report after the Autumn Statement, business confidence and investment plans fell substantially whilst concerns around corporation tax (which includes NI) rose to its highest level on record. This pointed to a challenging time ahead for business and our report for Q2 of 2025 is now showing the real impact of the announcements that were made. "Members surveyed directly cite that changes to NI contributions and National Living Wage increases have impacted their recruitment and investment plans. With further changes coming in the form of the Employment Rights Bill, businesses are entering a new employment landscape marked by structurally higher labour costs and administrative requirements. Read more: Butchers celebrates first-year in business in bustling North Wales town "We are keen to speak to businesses that are experiencing challenges in the labour market so please do reach out via 01244 669988 or info@ Elsewhere in the Quarterly Business Report for Quarter 2 of 2025: • Business confidence has been trending downwards since record highs in Q3 2023 with turnover and profitability both dipping this quarter. • Cashflow remains tight with only 20% of firms reporting an increase in the last quarter. • Sales and Orders, both domestic and overseas, showed signs of recovery after a dip last quarter. • Investment plans, for both plant & machinery and training, have continued the same downward trend that we have seen for the last two years. Maria added: "There have been many challenges for businesses in the first six months of 2025, both at home and abroad, and business sentiment in Q2 remains subdued, following last Autumn's tax increase announcements and the more recent introduction of global tariffs. Read more: Owner of bar teases duplicate venue due to overwhelming success in Mold "The series of long-term strategies from Government in recent weeks have been welcomed, but businesses are clear - they want their costs reduced, regulation reformed, and skills barriers removed. Action by policymakers now, will improve confidence and give firms the tools to boost growth." Members of the Chamber of Commerce have given their feedback on the current economic climate. Carlton Relf, managing director of Wrexham-based commercial cleaning contractor Maidscando, said: "Our business has seen rising operating costs, particularly the NI and National Living Wage increases - alongside rising inflation - which have undermined our financial performance. Like other market sectors particularly reliant on part-time and entry level job roles, our employment costs have risen by up to 13%. "We're a growing business but we are having to look at making further operating efficiencies or re-evaluate our pricing strategies. The lasting nature of these challenging trading conditions underscores the need for practical business support measures to ease the pressure on our region's companies." • To read the full Quarterly Business Report, visit the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce website:
North Wales Chronicle
11-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Impact of NI contributions on business in North Wales
The latest results of its Quarterly Business Report, a leading survey of business sentiment in the region, highlights only one in five businesses (21%) reported an increase in employment over the last three months, a record low outside of the Covid-19 pandemic. The report, based on responses from 90 firms between May 12 and June 9, also reveals that of those employers that attempted to recruit, 75% encountered difficulties, further highlighting the challenges that businesses are encountering in the labour market. Read more: Businesses throw support behind Wrexham's City of Culture bid Skills & Policy Director at the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, Maria Davison, said: "In our Quarterly Business Report after the Autumn Statement, business confidence and investment plans fell substantially whilst concerns around corporation tax (which includes NI) rose to its highest level on record. This pointed to a challenging time ahead for business and our report for Q2 of 2025 is now showing the real impact of the announcements that were made. "Members surveyed directly cite that changes to NI contributions and National Living Wage increases have impacted their recruitment and investment plans. With further changes coming in the form of the Employment Rights Bill, businesses are entering a new employment landscape marked by structurally higher labour costs and administrative requirements. Read more: Butchers celebrates first-year in business in bustling North Wales town "We are keen to speak to businesses that are experiencing challenges in the labour market so please do reach out via 01244 669988 or info@ Elsewhere in the Quarterly Business Report for Quarter 2 of 2025: • Business confidence has been trending downwards since record highs in Q3 2023 with turnover and profitability both dipping this quarter. • Cashflow remains tight with only 20% of firms reporting an increase in the last quarter. • Sales and Orders, both domestic and overseas, showed signs of recovery after a dip last quarter. • Investment plans, for both plant & machinery and training, have continued the same downward trend that we have seen for the last two years. Maria added: "There have been many challenges for businesses in the first six months of 2025, both at home and abroad, and business sentiment in Q2 remains subdued, following last Autumn's tax increase announcements and the more recent introduction of global tariffs. Read more: Owner of bar teases duplicate venue due to overwhelming success in Mold "The series of long-term strategies from Government in recent weeks have been welcomed, but businesses are clear - they want their costs reduced, regulation reformed, and skills barriers removed. Action by policymakers now, will improve confidence and give firms the tools to boost growth." Members of the Chamber of Commerce have given their feedback on the current economic climate. Carlton Relf, managing director of Wrexham-based commercial cleaning contractor Maidscando, said: "Our business has seen rising operating costs, particularly the NI and National Living Wage increases - alongside rising inflation - which have undermined our financial performance. Like other market sectors particularly reliant on part-time and entry level job roles, our employment costs have risen by up to 13%. "We're a growing business but we are having to look at making further operating efficiencies or re-evaluate our pricing strategies. The lasting nature of these challenging trading conditions underscores the need for practical business support measures to ease the pressure on our region's companies." • To read the full Quarterly Business Report, visit the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce website:
Leader Live
10-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Impact of NI contributions on business in North Wales
The latest results of its Quarterly Business Report, a leading survey of business sentiment in the region, highlights only one in five businesses (21%) reported an increase in employment over the last three months, a record low outside of the Covid-19 pandemic. The report, based on responses from 90 firms between May 12 and June 9, also reveals that of those employers that attempted to recruit, 75% encountered difficulties, further highlighting the challenges that businesses are encountering in the labour market. Read more: Businesses throw support behind Wrexham's City of Culture bid Skills & Policy Director at the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, Maria Davison, said: "In our Quarterly Business Report after the Autumn Statement, business confidence and investment plans fell substantially whilst concerns around corporation tax (which includes NI) rose to its highest level on record. This pointed to a challenging time ahead for business and our report for Q2 of 2025 is now showing the real impact of the announcements that were made. "Members surveyed directly cite that changes to NI contributions and National Living Wage increases have impacted their recruitment and investment plans. With further changes coming in the form of the Employment Rights Bill, businesses are entering a new employment landscape marked by structurally higher labour costs and administrative requirements. Read more: Butchers celebrates first-year in business in bustling North Wales town "We are keen to speak to businesses that are experiencing challenges in the labour market so please do reach out via 01244 669988 or info@ Elsewhere in the Quarterly Business Report for Quarter 2 of 2025: • Business confidence has been trending downwards since record highs in Q3 2023 with turnover and profitability both dipping this quarter. • Cashflow remains tight with only 20% of firms reporting an increase in the last quarter. • Sales and Orders, both domestic and overseas, showed signs of recovery after a dip last quarter. • Investment plans, for both plant & machinery and training, have continued the same downward trend that we have seen for the last two years. Maria added: "There have been many challenges for businesses in the first six months of 2025, both at home and abroad, and business sentiment in Q2 remains subdued, following last Autumn's tax increase announcements and the more recent introduction of global tariffs. Read more: Owner of bar teases duplicate venue due to overwhelming success in Mold "The series of long-term strategies from Government in recent weeks have been welcomed, but businesses are clear - they want their costs reduced, regulation reformed, and skills barriers removed. Action by policymakers now, will improve confidence and give firms the tools to boost growth." Members of the Chamber of Commerce have given their feedback on the current economic climate. Carlton Relf, managing director of Wrexham-based commercial cleaning contractor Maidscando, said: "Our business has seen rising operating costs, particularly the NI and National Living Wage increases - alongside rising inflation - which have undermined our financial performance. Like other market sectors particularly reliant on part-time and entry level job roles, our employment costs have risen by up to 13%. "We're a growing business but we are having to look at making further operating efficiencies or re-evaluate our pricing strategies. The lasting nature of these challenging trading conditions underscores the need for practical business support measures to ease the pressure on our region's companies." • To read the full Quarterly Business Report, visit the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce website:
Glasgow Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Charities react to Chancellor Rachel Reeves spending review
Rachel Reeves stated that the government was 'renewing Britain', and she would reallocate money to help people throughout the UK feel the effects of this. Reeves promised to invest £39bn into building affordable and social housing in the next ten years. She also said NHS spending in England and Wales would go up by 3% and half a million more children would get free school meals. READ NEXT: Rachel Reeves says Labour will end use of hotels for asylum seekers Peter Kelly, Poverty Alliance, director, said the housing investment suggests a 'positive story to tell', but it 'masks cuts to day-to-day spending in unprotected areas' which would affect those below the poverty line the worst. Kelly said the review includes £5bn worth of cuts to social security for disabled people, which could 'push 400k people into poverty'' Charities also condemned Reeves for highlighting the damage the Conservatives inflicted through austerity but not scrapping the two-child benefit cap. Mr Kelly said, 'Thousands more children will be in poverty by the time the chancellor considers the policy again at the Autumn Statement.' John Dickie, Director of the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland, added: 'Struggling families won't feel any renewal until the two-child limit – the biggest driver of child poverty across the UK – is scrapped.' Jamie Livingston, Head of Oxfam Scotland on behalf of Tax Justice Scotland, criticised the Chancellor for not introducing increased tax on the wealthy. He said: 'Scots overwhelmingly support a modern 2% wealth tax on the very richest millionaires and billionaires, which could raise up to £24 billion a year.' Reeves said the measures would provide an additional £52bn for Scotland with the "largest settlement in real terms since devolution was introduced". The Scottish Government, however, said Scotland has been 'short-changed'. Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, said: 'This Spending Review is business as usual from the UK Government, which is yet again treating Scotland as an afterthought and failing to provide us with the funding we need. 'Today's settlement for Scotland is particularly disappointing, with real terms growth of 0.8% a year for our overall Block Grant, which is lower than the average for UK Departments. 'Had our resource funding for day-to-day priorities grown in line with the UK Government's overall spending, we would have £1.1 billion more to spend on our priorities over the next three years. In effect, Scotland has been short-changed by more than a billion pounds.'
