David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor, and Cwm Tawe, has condemned the UK Government’s rise in employers’ National Insurance, warning that the tax hike will cost employees in Powys on average nearly £2,300 by the end of the decade.

Research by the Liberal Democrats reveals that employees in Powys will see a significant financial hit as the cost of the National Insurance rise is passed down to them through lower wages. According to the findings, an average worker in the area will be £2,273 worse off by 2030, with the biggest impact expected to be felt in the next year, where employees will lose an average of £364.

Mr Chadwick has highlighted growing concerns from local businesses, with many reaching out to him since the Autumn Budget, fearing that the increased costs will force them to cut staff. He has also heard from local GPs and care home providers who are similarly worried about the financial strain.

“The Chancellor’s jobs tax is setting already stretched household finances up for another battering right in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,” said Mr Chadwick.

“After years of Conservative economic vandalism, this Labour government is now risking a spate of boarded-up shop fronts on our much-loved high streets, leaving local businesses on the brink of closure.

"The Government cannot go on pretending that their jobs tax won’t hit people’s pockets. Our town centres and hard-working business owners will bear the brunt of this crushing decision.”

“Labour must immediately scrap its jobs tax and scrap the broken business rates system. This is the only way to unleash the massive growth potential of Welsh high streets and protect local household finances,” he added.