Businesses urge Sunak to delay ‘ill-timed and illogical’ NI rise

As Ukraine crisis drives energy prices up, firms say tax rise could put Covid recovery at risk

Rishi Sunak is facing renewed pressure from business leaders to delay a planned 12bn rise in national insurance, amid warnings over soaring costs for companies and households as the Russian invasion of Ukraine drives up inflation.

The manufacturing trade body Make UK, which represents 20,000 firms of all sizes across the country, said the tax hike planned for April should be pushed back until the UK economy is in a stronger position. It warned the government that pressing ahead would risk firms slamming the brakes on recruitment and putting the economic recovery from Covid at risk.