Stories

Thu, 22 Oct 2026

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 Calls to cut employer National Insurance contributions for under-25s

Yorkshire businesses set out what they want from the chancellor ahead of the Budget.
Businesses in Yorkshire are calling on Chancellor John Healey to reduce National Insurance (NI) contributions for under-25s in his upcoming budget. The West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, which represents 5,000 employers, says this would help tackle the "youth unemployment crisis". Aqila Choudhry, a Leeds-based care company owner, said businesses are struggling due to recent tax increases and need help to "survive, sustain, and grow". She urged the government not to impose any further tax rises. Choudhry also backed calls to reduce employers' NI contributions for under-25s. Principal of York College Ken Murray wants the government to allow colleges to claim a rebate on VAT. This would address funding disparities between them and academies and free schools. Martin Greenhow, who runs bars in Yorkshire, said the hospitality sector has been "reeling" since COVID-19. He believes the government should change income tax thresholds so people have more money left to spend in businesses such as pubs and restaurants. Greenhow also called for action to address business rates and a reduction in VAT for the hospitality sector.