Government Budget sparks jobs fears in Dorset

The Chancellor’s Budget announced on Wednesday has received a mixed response from Dorset Chamber.

Chief Executive Ian Girling said: “Many businesses in Dorset will have concerns about the Budget.

“There is some comfort for small businesses with employment allowance increases for National Insurance, but rises in employer National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage mean that employment costs are significantly increasing.

“This comes at a time when wages have been pushed up by significant recruitment challenges for businesses. It is highly likely this will impact on recruitment, which will have a knock-on effect in terms of future business growth.

“It is encouraging to see a focus on affordable housing as this is a barrier to growth for businesses, but I am not sure that it is enough.

“Economic growth projections over the next three years are very low, which hardly inspires confidence among businesses and consumers.

“Dorset Chamber will continue to support businesses and make the county’s voice heard in the corridors of power in our work with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).”