Local business organisations have also called for measures to support employers.<\/p>\n
Chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, John McCabe, said: “It’s a really tough time for business right now, with rising costs, particularly the costs of taxation, the costs of compliance with legislation.<\/p>\n
“So those costs have got to be cut.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, founder of Sunderland-based market research firm MMC Research, Natasha McDonough, called on the chancellor to do more to encourage start up-businesses.<\/p>\n
“There’s a lot of people out there who are running full-time jobs and they’ve got what we now call side hustles.<\/p>\n
“But actually, these are sensible businesses that could turn into something bigger.”<\/p>\n
The Treasury spokesperson added: “The chancellor is fully focused on his priorities, to give families and businesses a bit of breathing space, back British jobs, and drive growth in every postcode, underpinned by a commitment to meet the fiscal rules.”<\/p>\n
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