UK high-streets face a tough future with many shops planning shorter work-days next spring (when employers tax rates jump from 13.8pc to 15pc)
Rachel Reevesʼs budget changes make business owners re-think their work schedules — forcing them to look at shorter opening hours and less working days. Luke Johnson who runs Gailʼs bakery points out that higher business costs speed-up the decline of city centres
The night-time sector shows biggest concerns; about 40pc of bars and clubs might close by mid-2025. Michael Kill who leads Night Time Industries Association says these changes hurt UK businesses badly
The autumn Budget has effectively signed a death sentence for many night-time economy businesses across the UK; this sector is being pushed to the brink
Andrew Goodacre who speaks for 8500 independent shops says his members will make big changes:
- Cut staff hours
- Lower employee numbers
- Reduce shop open times
Restaurant group leader Alan Morgan (who runs over 220 places like Bella Italia and Cafe Rouge) tells that nothing is off-limits when looking at cost savings. Many pubs already think about working less hours; three-quarters plan staff time cuts
The Treasury defends its choices saying they need to fix a £22bn budget gap left by previous government. They promise some help: 40pc business rates cut next year and permanent rate changes by 2026 — but shop owners dont think its enough to stop the coming changes