Job cuts and price rises predicted as National Insurance hike begins

Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) increased by 1.2 percentage points to 15 per cent in the UK, impacting earnings above £5,000.
Businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, warn this "jobs tax" could lead to price increases, reduced staff hours, and job losses.
The NICs rise comes after a 6.7 per cent minimum wage increase, creating a combined impact that businesses say will hinder job creation.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the tax increase as necessary to raise £25 billion annually by 2029.
Opposition parties criticized the move, calling it a "hammer blow" to businesses and urging the government to find alternative funding sources.