Struggling pubs face £180million tax bombshell

A TAX bomb hitting employers today will cost Britain's struggling pubs nearly £180million and make it harder to get a job behind a bar, warns Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride.

- By David Williamson

Pubs are expected to face an average blow of £4,000 as a result of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's shock decision to increase employers' National Insurance contributions.

Mr Stride visited the Two Chairmen pub in Westminster, where Ms Reeves was spotted outside on the night of the Budget with celebrating Treasury staffers.

"The jobs tax is far more than small beer," Mr Stride warned.

Labour stated in its manifesto it would "not increase National Insurance".

But as of today instead of businesses paying 13.8% on employees' earnings above £9,100 a year, they must pay 15% on wages above £5,000.