National Minimum Wage Increase Criticised
The announcement that the national minimum wage is to increase by 2.5 percent has been met with criticism from many people in the business community.
The current adult hourly rate is £5.93 per hour and will rise to £6.08 in October.
As most large companies pay above the national minimum wage, it will be an increase that affects smaller firms in particular.
The director of the British Retail Consortium (BCC) said: “At a time when the priority should be getting more people into work, any increase in staff costs is an extra hurdle. This rise in the national minimum wage is at the very top end of what retailers could be expected to live with.
“Employers have just been hit by an increase in national insurance. Business rates have soared and retailers are still absorbing much of the increase in VAT. This increase in the minimum wage is yet another challenge to retailers when trading is already difficult on the high street.
“In the current climate it is the private sector which is driving the economic growth that will provide the jobs and tax revenues of the future. The minimum wage must reflect the economic realities businesses are dealing with. This announcement is out of step with reality.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable defended the measure, saying that the increase was “appropriate, reflecting the current economic uncertainty while at the same time protecting the UK’s lowest paid workers.”
His appearance on a Channel 4 television programme about the inside workings of Revenue and Customs was watched by 4.1m which sealed his status as one of the most highly respected tax consultants to ever work in Scotland.
Ricky led all tax investigation and COP 9 cases, using his extensive knowledge to help people reach a positive resolution to their situation.
Ricky passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in June 2022 after leaving his indelible mark on the company he founded and headed for over 35 years.
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Ricky worked as an Investigator in the Inland Revenue for over 20 years before founding Steedman & Company in 1987, giving him the experience and knowledge that enabled him to help so many clients over the years.
His appearance on a Channel 4 television programme about the inside workings of Revenue and Customs was watched by 4.1m which sealed his status as one of the most highly respected tax consultants to ever work in Scotland.
Ricky led all tax investigation and COP 9 cases, using his extensive knowledge to help people reach a positive resolution to their situation.
Ricky passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in June 2022 after leaving his indelible mark on the company he founded and headed for over 35 years.
