Stories

Thu, 29 Oct 2026

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 Minimum wage rise 'a massive blow' says farmer

Tristan Bennett voices his disappointment in the Budget, describing it as "a lot of tinkering".

* A farmer from Bennetts Farms in Worcester said a 3.9% increase in minimum wage announced in the Budget would be a "massive blow" for businesses like his.
* The owner of the farm, Tristan Bennett, expressed disappointment with the lack of substantial measures to help small businesses and said the increase would affect his glamping site and cafe.
* He claimed it would be hard to make ends meet due to increased labor costs and questioned why Labour didn't provide more support for small businesses despite having a "big majority".
* The current owner of Elderwood Books in Brampton Bryan, Herefordshire, Rachel Buchanan, said she was challenged by the business rate valuation of her premises.
* She mentioned that her current rate is over £18,000 and expressed relief if her challenge is successful, which would put her below that threshold.