John Healey says Britain’s white van workers are the backbone of the economy. Fine words from a Chancellor whose party has spent two years making life harder for the businesses that keep Britain working.
Apparently, Labour has suddenly discovered the importance of Britain’s plumbers, electricians, builders, mechanics and millions of self-employed tradespeople.
Chancellor John Healey tells us that white van workers drive the economy, generating at least £366 billion annually. He wants them making more profit, investing more and spending less time filling in forms. Well, there’s a revelation!
Since Labour came to power, businesses have faced higher employers’ National Insurance, increased employment costs, mounting regulation and precious little encouragement to expand, invest or take on apprentices.
The employers’ National Insurance rate rose to 15%, while the earnings threshold fell from £9,100 to £5,000. That’s a direct increase in the cost of employing people. And then ministers wonder why businesses are reluctant to recruit!
You cannot tax businesses harder, make employing people more expensive, pile on regulations and then expect entrepreneurs to enthusiastically create jobs and drive economic growth. It doesn’t work like that.
White van workers don’t need politicians telling them how important they are. They know it. They’re out working, paying taxes, training youngsters and keeping the country running while Westminster dreams up new ways to spend their money.
What they need is a Government that rewards enterprise rather than treating successful businesses as convenient cash machines.
Healey has an opportunity to demonstrate that he understands this. Cut the cost of employment, encourage investment, support apprenticeships and give businesses genuine incentives to grow. But I won’t be holding my breath.
When the Chancellor opens his Budget box next Wednesday (28th Oct), I suspect Britain’s white van army will discover that his warm words were exactly what they sounded like. Words without substance. Promises that won’t be delivered.
Just another Labour Chancellor giving out money he doesn’t have and expecting businesses to pick up the bill.