Bradley has slammed the Government for their “huge tax hikes” on local pubs.
The Government has slashed business rate relief for hospitality businesses from 75% to 40%, as well as increased their employer National Insurance contributions – also known as the Jobs Tax.
The Chancellor has previously claimed that the Government’s pledge not to raise taxes on working people applied only to employee NICs, suggesting that working people would be shielded from the impact of higher employer NICs. However, as the independent Office for Budget Responsibility has set out, "additional payroll costs for employers are passed through into lower wages."
The Institute for Directors, representing UK business leaders, also said that raising employer NICs would be like a "poll tax on business".
Combined with the Government's Employment Rights Bill, which will increase regulatory burdens on business, raising employer NICs could lower employment rates, increase inactivity, and decrease wages.
Bradley said:
“Whilst I'm supporting our pubs with my Pub of the Year competition, the Government is hitting them hard with huge tax hikes.
“This could mean the cost of your pint going up, your local hiring fewer people and it could even lead to pub closures.
“It’s just another reason why the Government must reverse their Jobs Tax and cancel their reduction in business rates relief for hospitality businesses.”
