Are Labour’s policies putting local jobs at risk?

Labour promised to put more money in people’s pockets

After hearing from concerned residents and small business owners, I’ve looked into the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. What’s emerging is a worrying trend.

In April, 55,000 people were taken off payrolls. Early data for May shows another 109,000 gone. That is the biggest drop since the pandemic. One clear reason stands out. Labour raised National Insurance for employers. This made it more expensive to keep staff. Many businesses have had no choice but to reduce hours or cut jobs.

Wage growth is slowing too. Regular pay is rising by just 5.2 percent, which is less than before. But when you factor in rising costs and frozen tax thresholds, people are taking home less.

Unemployment has climbed to 4.6 percent. That is nearly 1.6 million people out of work. Job vacancies are also falling, so getting back into work is harder.

The Government promised to put more money in people’s pockets. These figures suggest the opposite. Small businesses are under pressure. Staff are being let go. Households are feeling the strain.

I will write to Swindon Borough Council and ask what steps are being taken to support our local economy. I want to be sure Haydon Wick and Priory Vale are not left to pick up the pieces.

If you run or work in a local business, I’d like to hear from you.

• Has it become harder to retain staff?

• Are rising costs affecting your plans?

• What support would help most right now?

I will keep raising these concerns where it counts.