Responding to the Conservative Party election pledge to cut the jobs tax and business rates, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry, said:
“Cutting the jobs tax is a strong, pro-small business move, as it will help half a million small firms raise wages and keep more people in work. FSB has consistently championed raising the Employment Allowance and this was a central ask in our Back to Business manifesto, supporting small employees cope with increases in the National Living Wage.
“A pledge to finally cut the burden of business rates is welcome – action on business rates has long been a priority of FSB’s small business members. This fundamental review should remove small businesses from the burden of an outdated, regressive tax that charges small firms before they make £1 in profit, let alone £1 in turnover. Switching assistance to prioritise upfront costs would make the UK a better place to start-up and run a business.
“Small businesses – and their staff – will be relieved to see the issues that matter to their livelihoods placed firmly on the agenda at this election. A typical constituency has 25,000 people working in a small business, around 7,000 of whom are self-employed. Political parties should be competing to show how they could run a Government that improves their livelihoods, deals with rising costs and ensures small businesses remain a strong part of our local communities.
“These measures lay down a gauntlet to other parties, and we hope there will be more to come at this election. Actions to reduce the cost of employment and fix business rates should be complemented with clear commitments to tackle the scourge of late payments and help ensure the Government is helping the self-employed. For example, through introducing a ‘self-employment legislative lock’ and measures to help the self-employed have better access to maternity, paternity and adoption support, and mortgages and pensions.”
Notes to editor
- FSB’s Back to Business 2019 Manifesto, can be accessed here.
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About FSB
As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.