February 20, 2025

ADAMSON BLASTS LABOUR’S TAX ON JOBS AT FIRST MINISTER’S QUESTIONS

HIGHER COSTS, INCREASED PRICES, AND JOB LOSSES

SNP MSP Clare Adamson has hit out at Labour’s hike to employer National Insurance contributions; a move which will devastate the finances of businesses, charities, and critical frontline services in every community in Scotland.

The Labour UK Government raised employers’ national insurance contributions as part of its first budget – a measure which has sparked widespread backlash. 

Ms Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, has repeatedly warned that the costs will be passed on to lower income workers and hit crucial community organisations.

The recent Labour Market Outlook survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) on UK business confidence indicated that the tax hike will force many employers to scale back recruitment, increase prices and significantly reduce investment in business growth.

Ms Adamson said Labour’s tax on jobs will put significant strain on Scotland’s public finances and that vital local organisations are fearing for their future.

 

She said:

“I am privileged to chair the Community Action Network which brings together local and national organisations with a shared commitment to addressing poverty and improving outcomes for people in Motherwell and Wishaw and across North Lanarkshire.

“These organisations are providing lifeline services and important policy advocacy for people in our community and Labour’s tax on jobs is going to devastate their finances.
“Higher costs, increased prices, and job losses all as a result of the UK Government’s national insurance hike – a measure which they promised they wouldn’t do before the UK elections.

“Local businesses, health and social care organisations, and charities providing essential frontline services cannot afford this financial hit.

“Labour must urgently reverse this move because the consequences to vital community organisations will be felt in every part of Scotland.” 

CIPD