News

In this month’s update we update you on rising inflation and interest rates and the impact of the increase in national insurance contributions.

Inflation hits 40-year high of 9.1% amid cost-of-living crisis

UK inflation rose to 9.1% in May from 9% in April as the cost-of-living crisis continues, according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

It was a slight increase on the 9% figure of the previous month, which was driven upwards by April's unprecedented rise in the energy price cap and is estimated to be the highest since 1982.

The ONS said rising prices for food and non-alcoholic drinks, compared with falls a year ago, pushed up the inflation rate. In monthly terms, consumer prices were up 0.7% in May.

Economists expect the rate to lurk within the 9%-10% range in the coming months before leaping again in October when the next adjustment to the energy price cap is implemented.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said:

'I know that people are worried about the rising cost of living, which is why we have taken targeted action to help families, getting £1,200 to the eight million most vulnerable households.

'We are using all the tools at our disposal to bring inflation down and combat rising prices - we can build a stronger economy through independent monetary policy, responsible fiscal policy which doesn't add to inflationary pressures, and by boosting our long-term productivity and growth.'

If you are struggling with the cost-of-living, our dedicated team of advisors and business rescue experts are here to help. Please contact Michael Drumm or Shauna McStravick for further information. 

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Bank of England raises UK interest rates to 13-year high of 1.25%

The Bank of England (BoE) has raised UK interest rates to a 13-year high of 1.25% and is now predicting inflation will hit 11% this autumn, when energy bills are set to rise again.

Six out of nine Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members voted for a 0.25 basis point hike, leading to a fifth consecutive rise.

It is the first time since January 2009 that the rate has been higher than 1%. Three members of the MPC voted to raise interest rates to 1.5%, which would have been the biggest rise since 1995.

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

'While expected, the decision to raise the interest rate will add further concern to businesses amid a weakened economic outlook, soaring cost pressures and labour shortages.

'The increase signals the Bank's intention to tackle inflation but businesses have been raising the alarm about spiralling prices since the start of 2021 and a higher interest rate is unlikely to address many of the global causes of this.

'The increase could impact smaller businesses who may be reliant on banking or overdraft facilities, for instance, those buying goods in bulk in an attempt to offset raw material shortages.'

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NICs increase has immediate impact on businesses

Four out of five employers stated that they were immediately impacted by the increase in national insurance contributions (NICs), according to research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The BCC surveyed more than 1,100 UK employers and found that the NICs increase has caused negative impacts to 81% of businesses.

Firms said the rise in employer NICs from 13.8% to 15.05% has increased staffing costs, forced some to put up their prices and meant they would be limiting their investment.

As part of its call for an Emergency Budget, the BCC said the rise should be immediately reversed for at least a year, as firms battle surging costs on multiple fronts.

The BCC is calling for action to give businesses a chance to keep a lid on rising prices, boost productivity and ease cost pressures.

Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director at the BCC, said:

'Businesses are telling us that the rise in NICs has been a body blow as they try to get back on their feet. With firms' profits also taking a further hit, after two years of the pandemic, it is no surprise that their investment intentions are also weakening.

'But it is not too late to change tack and push the increase back until firms are in a better place to take on the extra burden. The costs crises facing firms and people in the street are two sides of the same coin. If we can ease the pressure on businesses, then they can keep a lid on the price rises.'

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Latest guidance for employers

HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The June issue has information on various topics, including:

• PAYE
• paying Class 1A National Insurance contributions due on 22 July 2022
• Enterprise Management Incentive: Covid-19 easement ending
• Save as You Earn: Covid-19 easement ending
• guidance on how tips, gratuities and service charges are taxed.

Our tax team is here to help with any queries you may have. Please contact Janette Burns or Leona Leonard for futher guidance. 

Internet link: Employer Bulletin