Latest news with #S&W
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Third of businesses planning further job cuts after national insurance hikes
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% of those quizzed said they have already reduced their staff numbers as a 'direct result' of the NICs changes which came into effect in April. Last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her autumn budget that employers' NICs would rise from 13.8% to 15%, 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% 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% of those surveyed said they were planning further price increases as a result. Meanwhile, 35% of business owners said they planned to reduce staff hours and 29% 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 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
2 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.'
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Third of businesses planning further job cuts after national insurance hikes
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% of those quizzed said they have already reduced their staff numbers as a 'direct result' of the NICs changes which came into effect in April. Last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her autumn budget that employers' NICs would rise from 13.8% to 15%, 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% 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% of those surveyed said they were planning further price increases as a result. Meanwhile, 35% of business owners said they planned to reduce staff hours and 29% 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 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.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sheriff: Nearly a dozen gang members tied to multiple shootings arrested in Baton Rouge drug bust, 1 at-large
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Nearly one dozen people allegedly tied to a gang in Baton Rouge have been arrested after a multi-agency investigation that spanned two months. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office (EBRSO) says during April and May 2025, its Gang Intelligence and Enforcement Unit started an extensive investigation into a criminal street gang known as the 'Vultures.' According to EBRSO, members of the 'Vultures' are suspected of being responsible for numerous shootings in and around the Baton Rouge area. Coroner identifies man killed in Baton Rouge shooting Agents identified several members and several associates of the group, collecting hundreds of hours of surveillance on the gang. Authorities then determined that the gang was involved in a large-scale marijuana distribution operation. While under investigation, members of the gang were involved in a police chase in Texas. During the chase, the sheriff's office says the gang members threw a pistol that had a machine gun conversion device, called a 'switch,' out of the window. Other gang members were able to retrieve the gun but were stopped and arrested once they arrived back in Baton Rouge. Four members were arrested in connection with the incident and later released on bond. Deputies identified 11 residences that the gang used to facilitate their marijuana trafficking operation. Agents secured search warrants for the locations, as well as several banks used by the gang to hide their money. On June 2, 2025, with help from multiple divisions and agencies, agents executed warrants at the following locations: 3rd Street Hammond Manor Drive Apartment Court Joor Road 68th Avenue Stoneview Avenue 73rd Avenue (P&P Compliance Check) Pasadena Drive (P&P Compliance Check) Grand Settlement Boulevard Lockhaven Avenue La Margie Avenue In addition, Louisiana Probation and Parole performed compliance checks at two gang member residences. The following items, including drugs, guns, and cash, were seized, and several arrests were made as a result of the multi-agency investigation: 36.14 pounds of marijuana 78 dosage units of Tramadol 32 dosage units of amphetamine 15 dosage units of Lorazepam 1 dosage unit of Alprazolam 1 dosage unit of Oxycodone Digital scales $44,648 in currency Seized Firearms Springfield Armory 9mm handgun Glock 19 9mm handgun S&W 5.56 rifle Glock 31 .357 magnum handgun (3) Taurus 9mm handguns Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun Glock 26 9mm handgun Davis Industries .380 handgun SAR 9mm handgun S&W 9mm handgun S&W .38 special revolver (3) Palmetto Arms 5.56 rifles Glock MCD (fully automatic switch) Broderick Butler, 25 Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Narcotics (Affidavit Warrant) PWITD Schedule I Narcotics Possession of Schedule II Narcotics Resisting an Officer Criminal Street Gang Money Laundering Tampering and Fabricating (Felony warrant, Texas) Prohibited Weapon (Felony warrant, Texas) Cornell Brown, 24 Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Narcotics (Affidavit Warrant) PWITD Schedule I Narcotics Illegal Carrying of a Firearm with Drugs Illegal Use of a Machine Gun Criminal Street Gang Tampering and Fabricating (Felony warrant, Texas) Prohibited Weapon (Felony warrant, Texas) Delton Joseph, 25 Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Narcotics (Affidavit Warrant) Violation of a Protective Order (Affidavit Warrant) Illegal Possession of a Firearm by Person Convicted of Domestic Abuse Battery (Affidavit Warrant) PWITD Schedule I Narcotics Illegal Carrying of a Firearm with Drugs Resisting an Officer Criminal Street Gang Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Tampering and Fabricating (Felony warrant, Texas) Prohibited Weapon (Felony warrant, Texas) Xavier Lewis, 28 Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Narcotics (Affidavit Warrant) PWITD Schedule I Narcotics Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Criminal Street Gang Reco Andrews, 47 *At-Large* Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Narcotics (Affidavit Warrant) Criminal Street Gang Chandris Ferguson, 45 Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Narcotics (Affidavit Warrant) PWITD Schedule I Narcotics Illegal Carrying of a Firearm with Drugs Criminal Street Gang Gervea Ferguson, 27 *Already in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison* Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Narcotics (Affidavit Warrant) Larry Hardesty, 23 Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Narcotics PWITD Schedule I Narcotics Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Criminal Street Gang Resisting an Officer Valmie Brown, 59 PWITD Schedule I Narcotics PWITD Schedule II Narcotics PWITD Schedule IV Narcotics (2 counts) Illegal Carrying of a Firearm with Drugs Arionne Tackno, 23 PWITD Schedule I Narcotics PWITD Schedule II Narcotics PWITD Schedule IV Narcotics (2 counts) Delvin Andrews, 23 PWITD Counterfeit Drugs Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Jamaya Edwards, 19 PWITD Schedule I Narcotics Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Keondre Young, 22 Illegal Carrying of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Keymond Sandford, 25 *In West Baton Rouge Jail* Tampering and Fabricating (Felony warrant, Texas) Prohibited Weapon (Felony warrant, Texas) 'Disgusting abomination': Elon Musk tears into Trump megabill Judge extends pause of order invalidating Trump's tariffs Man tried to get witness against him deported by writing letters threatening Trump: Prosecutors Trump DOJ reviewing Biden pardons Gov. Landry to talk about hurricane preparedness Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
S&W Seed Company to Report Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, May 15, 2025
Conference call to be conducted on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time LONGMONT, Colo., May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- S&W Seed Company (Nasdaq: SANW) will report third quarter fiscal year 2025 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2025, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, before the open of the market. The Company has scheduled a conference call that same day, Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time (8:00 a.m. Pacific time) to review the results. Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing (844) 861-5498 or (412) 317-6580 or can listen via a live Internet webcast, which is available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at or A teleconference replay of the call will be available for seven days at (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088, replay access code 2052734. A webcast replay will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at or or 30 days. About S&W Seed CompanyFounded in 1980, S&W is a multi-crop, middle-market agricultural company headquartered in Longmont, Colorado. S&W's vision is to be a preferred proprietary seed company that supports the growing demand for animal proteins and healthier consumer diets. S&W is a leader in sorghum seeds with significant research and development, production and distribution capabilities. S&W also has a commercial presence in proprietary alfalfa, and through a partnership, is focused on sustainable biofuel feedstocks primarily within camelina. For more information, please visit Company Contact: Investor Contact: Mark Herrmann, Chief Executive Officer Robert Blum S&W Seed Company Lytham Partners, LLC Phone: (720) 593-3570 Phone: (602) 889-9700 sanw@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE S&W Seed Company Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
