Autumn statement a ‘mixed bag’

PLANS to scrap employer National Insurance contributions for under 21s by 2015 have been welcomed by trade groups.

But some were disappointed chancellor George Osborne didn’t cut VAT on food for hospitality businesses or scrap the duty escalator on wines and spirits as part of his Autumn Statement.
Katie Corrigan, head of hospitality and leisure at legal firm Tods Murray, said the statement represented a “mixed bag” for the industry.
“Disappointingly there was no reduction in the alcohol duty escalator on wines and spirits following the abolition of it for beer in the Budget earlier this year,” she said.
“However, on the other hand it’s to be welcomed that it has not increased.”
British Hospitality Association chief executive Ufi Ibrahim said: “The abolition of NI contributions for those starting out is welcome news and will surely stimulate job creation.”