UK high street bosses urge chancellor to cut cost of employing young people
News Source
β’Tue, 13 Oct 2026 17:43:19 GMT
π° What Happened
Big UK retailers have asked the chancellor, John Healey, to cut the cost of hiring young people. Bosses from Tesco, Costa Coffee and the Co-op met him at 11 Downing Street. They also included the heads of Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury's.
The meeting came before Healey's first budget. The firms say a recent tax change hurt jobs for young and part-time workers.
π The Backstory
The last government lowered the point at which employers start paying national insurance from Β£9,100 to Β£5,000 a year. National insurance is a tax paid on wages. Retail and hospitality firms say this made hiring young staff too costly.
They point to fewer high street jobs and higher youth unemployment. They want the level set at Β£6,000 instead. The group also asked Healey to reduce business rates. A source said the firms felt they were being heard.
π― Why It Matters
Retail and cafe jobs are often a first step for young workers. Cheaper hiring could mean more chances for people starting out.
Big UK retailers have asked the chancellor, John Healey, to cut the cost of hiring young people. Bosses from Tesco, Costa Coffee and the Co-op met him at 11 Downing Street. They also included the heads of Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury's.
The meeting came before Healey's first budget. The firms say a recent tax change hurt jobs for young and part-time workers.
The last government lowered the point at which employers start paying national insurance from Β£9,100 to Β£5,000 a year. National insurance is a tax paid on wages. Retail and hospitality firms say this made hiring young staff too costly.
They point to fewer high street jobs and higher youth unemployment. They want the level set at Β£6,000 instead. The group also asked Healey to reduce business rates. A source said the firms felt they were being heard.
Retail and cafe jobs are often a first step for young workers. Cheaper hiring could mean more chances for people starting out.