Latest news with #ClaireBurden
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
National Insurance hikes could see more people lose their job this year
A new survey found a third of businesses are planning further job cuts following the April National Insurance change. Income tax rises for Scots in April - how the changes affect you A third of business owners have said they plan to cut more jobs after being hit by higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in April, according to new research. Many companies have also suggested they will cut back hours, freeze pay and hike prices in order to help cover increased tax payments. S&W's business owners sentiment survey revealed around 20 per cent of those quizzed said they have already reduced their staff numbers as a 'direct result' of the NIC changes which came into effect in April. At the Autumn Budget last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that employers' NICs would rise from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent, while the threshold at which firms would start paying also increased. The increase came in at the same time as the jump in the National Living Wage and reduced business rates relief for some firms. The survey found 33 per cent of business owners said they were still planning further cuts to staff numbers after feeling the impact of the tax increase. Firms said they were also looking to a series of other measures in order to offset the jump in their operating costs. The survey of 500 UK business owners with turnovers of £5 million upwards also showed 46 per cent of those surveyed said they were planning further price increases as a result. Meanwhile, 35 per cent of business owners said they planned to reduce staff hours and 29 per cent said they were looking at freezing pay. It comes as firms highlighted higher commodity and energy costs, as well as disruption from wider macroeconomic uncertainty. Claire Burden, partner in consulting at S&W, said: 'Businesses face considerable challenges in the current economic climate and many owners are having to make difficult decisions to stay afloat. 'Given that salaries represent a considerable proportion of the overall cost base for most businesses, it is to be expected that many are looking closely at headcounts in response to the increased national insurance costs.' Alex Simpson, partner in employer solutions at S&W, said: 'For most businesses, the extent of the employers' NIC change was a surprise. 'We anticipated an increase in the employers' rate, but the additional reduction to the earnings threshold was not expected and is expected to have a dramatic impact over time.' A UK Government spokesman said: 'We are a pro-business government. We are protecting the smallest businesses from the employer national insurance rise, shielding 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure business properties from paying full business rates and have capped corporation tax. 'We delivered a once-in-a-Parliament budget last year that took necessary decisions on tax to stabilise the public finances, including the NHS which has now seen waiting lists fall five months in a row. 'We are now focused on creating opportunities for businesses to compete and access the finance they need to scale, export and break into new markets.'
The Independent
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Businesses plan further job cuts after national insurance hikes
A third of business owners are planning further job cuts following April's increase in national insurance contributions (NICs), new research has found. Many companies are also considering reducing hours, freezing pay, and raising prices to offset the increased tax burden. According to S&W's business owners sentiment survey, approximately 20 per cent of businesses have already reduced staff numbers as a direct consequence of the NICs changes that took effect in April. Last year, the Chancellor announced in the autumn budget that employers' NICs would rise from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent, while also increasing the threshold at which firms would start paying. The increase coincided with a rise in the national living wage and reduced business rates relief for some firms. The survey revealed that 33 per cent of business owners are still planning further staff reductions in response to the tax increase. Firms said they were also looking to a series of other measures in order to offset the jump in their operating costs. The survey of 500 UK business owners with turnovers of £5 million upwards also showed 46 per cent of those surveyed said they were planning further price increases as a result. Meanwhile, 35 per cent of business owners said they planned to reduce staff hours and 29 per cent said they were looking at freezing pay. It comes as firms highlighted higher commodity and energy costs, as well as disruption from wider macroeconomic uncertainty. Claire Burden, partner in consulting at S&W, said: 'Businesses face considerable challenges in the current economic climate and many owners are having to make difficult decisions to stay afloat. 'Given that salaries represent a considerable proportion of the overall cost base for most businesses, it is to be expected that many are looking closely at headcounts in response to the increased national insurance costs.' Alex Simpson, partner in employer solutions at S&W, said: 'For most businesses, the extent of the employers' NIC change was a surprise. 'We anticipated an increase in the employers' rate, but the additional reduction to the earnings threshold was not expected and is expected to have a dramatic impact over time.' Government spokesman said: 'We are a pro-business government. We are protecting the smallest businesses from the employer national insurance rise, shielding 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure business properties from paying full business rates and have capped corporation tax. 'We delivered a once-in-a-Parliament budget last year that took necessary decisions on tax to stabilise the public finances, including the NHS which has now seen waiting lists fall five months in a row. 'We are now focused on creating opportunities for businesses to compete and access the finance they need to scale, export and break into new markets.'
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
'Outstanding' NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff recognised for exceptional work
Nineteen finalists were celebrated for their exceptional contributions at this year's event. More than 80 members of NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff, volunteers, and members of the public gathered to celebrate the 19 finalists of this year's Ayrshire Achieves awards. The event provided an opportunity for local people and NHS staff to recognise the exceptional contributions of health workers and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their roles. Claire Burden, Chief Executive of NHS Ayrshire & Arran, expressed her gratitude: "I would like to thank all those who joined us to support their friends and colleagues. "This evening is a highlight of our year, allowing us to celebrate the outstanding work of our staff and volunteers. The stories shared are often emotional, showcasing how our team makes the NHS extraordinary for those in our care." The event was live-streamed on YouTube, ensuring those unable to attend could still enjoy the highlights. The evening featured a celebratory dinner prepared by the catering team of University Hospital Ayr, and a raffle that raised £640 for Crosshouse Children's Fund. On the night, the chairperson's award was won by the Clinical Development Fellows Programme which offers clinicians the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in a specialty before making long-term career decisions. Behind the scenes award, sponsored by NHS Credit Union, was given to Zoe Fance and the Procurement Team who were nominated for their work in achieving the best possible value in sourcing and negotiating procurement deals. Margaret McLean, Suicide Prevention Lead for East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, won care and compassion award, sponsored by Unite, for her work to support families and individuals impacted by mental health issues, connected to addiction and homelessness. The Focus on frailty team in South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership was recognised as a shining example of positive collaborative working. The team won collaboration and working together award, sponsored by NHS Credit Union, for making a real difference to the lives of older people in South Ayrshire. Gaynor Campbell, Senior Advanced Nurse Practitioner Cardiology – Acute Care Unit/ Cardiac Day Unit, won shining star award, sponsored by Unite, for her influential and innovative involvement in heart failure care, both locally and nationally. East Ayrshire Children and Young People's Speech and Language Therapy Team was honoured for their work in reducing waiting times for local families, and re-designing a more person-centred service. The team won thinking outside the box award, sponsored by NHS Credit Union. The Urology Oncology Team in University Hospital Ayr won making a difference with digital award, sponsored by NHS Credit Union, for their work to reduce waiting times for routine results, after developing a new digital pathway for patients. Claire Burden added: "I would like to thank all our finalists and winners, as well as everyone who entered or nominated someone for this year's Ayrshire Achieves. This event embodies our ambitions and values for NHS Ayrshire & Arran. "Every nominee has contributed to improving the life and healthcare outcomes for the citizens of Ayrshire and Arran. Congratulations to all, and best wishes for the future." Ayrshire Achieves is funded by NHS Ayrshire & Arran's Charity Fund and is supported by NHS Ayrshire & Arran's Area Partnership Forum. A spokesperson said: "Special thanks to our sponsors: NHS Staff Benefits, NHS Credit Union, Royal College of Nursing and Unite."
