East Midlands Chamber has renewed calls for changes to the Employment Rights Bill and for firms to be protected from tax rises in the Autumn Budget to further reduce unemployment, after it dropped to 4.4%.
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics covers June to August 2025 and shows unemployment among over 16’s to be lower than the UK level at 4.8% but above regional figures for the East Midlands at the start of the year.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Unemployment has fluctuated in the East Midlands recently and while a slight drop is welcome, 4.4% is far too high a level and underlines the challenging environment employers have faced.
“On one hand, finding suitable applicants is still proving difficult, with our Quarterly Economic Survey showing 6 out of 10 businesses in the region struggled with that, while higher employer National Insurance contributions and a higher national living wage brought in from the last Budget will have added to headaches for firms when considering recruitment and retention.
“The Employment Rights Bill needs amendments, as we’ve proposed to the region’s MPs because it carries the risk of additional admin piled onto businesses that would be time consuming and bring associated costs. If the Bill is not changed that would add further pressure on employers.
“The Autumn Budget on 26th November is an opportunity for the Chancellor to ease some of the immense pressure on firms by ruling out rumoured tax hikes on businesses. Having been dealt that blow at the last Budget, it’s essential firms are prioritised this year and protected from increased costs so they have a fair opportunity for growth.”
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