SOMERSET Chamber of Commerce is holding a poll of business amid “significant concerns” about the Government’s hike in National Insurance for employers.

It has called for all businesses in the county – both members and non-members – to take part to provide an accurate and evidenced understanding of the issue so it can lobby at the highest level.

In her recent Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced an increase from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent in the employers National Insurance rate from April 2025.

The chamber, Somerset’s most connected business support organisation, launched the survey after hearing of major fears about the rise – including recruitment and pay rise freezes, workforce cuts, price increases for customers and cancelled investment plans.

David Crew, managing director of Somerset Chamber, said: “Many businesses across a number of sectors are telling us of their significant concerns about the affordability of the NI increases and the wider impacts this will have on businesses and consumers, who will no doubt feel the pain of these additional costs to business.

“An accurate understanding and informed view is important if we are to lobby on behalf of Somerset businesses as the voice of business, both locally, nationally and through the British Chambers of Commerce at the highest level of Government.”

In the recent Budget, the Chancellor also announced that employers will start paying National Insurance on more of an employee’s earnings with the threshold reducing from £9,100 to £5,000. The employment allowance will go up from £5,000 to £10,500.

Questions in the survey cover the level of concern about the NI increase and impact on monthly wages, business and cash flow.

The survey closes at midday on January 31 and can be found via a link in the Chamber’s online news section at http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk