Confidence for firms 'still fragile'

BUSINESS confidence remains fragile after firms swallowed the jump in tax and labour costs in April, according to new research.

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A survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) found that most firms continue to see tax pressures as their main concern going forward.

The influential business group urged the government to rule out further tax hikes for firms later this year as a result.

The quarterly economic survey showed that 56% of firms said they were particularly concerned about their tax burden, with this followed by worries over rising inflation.