Employer National Insurance Contributions Job Creation 2025-01-15
2025-01-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question pertains to the impact of proposed increases in employers' national insurance contributions on job creation in Northern Ireland, raising concerns about business growth and investment.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of proposed increases in employers’ national insurance contributions on job creation in Northern Ireland?
There are many pressures on businesses that we are constantly assessing and talking to businesses about. The hon. Member is right to raise the subject of job creation in Northern Ireland; it is a priority for this Government. We are supporting businesses in many ways, including through Invest Northern Ireland’s fund for small businesses, and by directly supporting jobseekers through our funding for employment support schemes.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific assessment of the impact on job creation due to proposed tax increases.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned about the impact of high tax increases on businesses in Northern Ireland, questioning how they will be able to grow and invest.
How does the Minister expect businesses in Northern Ireland to grow and invest in their communities given that they have to pay enormous tax increases imposed by the Chancellor?
Even after accounting for employer national insurance contribution impacts, the Office for Budget Responsibility expects real wages to rise by 3%. Raising the revenue to fill the £22 billion black hole required us to take difficult decisions, but they will result in improved public services, which is good for all people in Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address how businesses are expected to grow and invest despite tax increases.
Response accuracy