LCCI response to Chancellor's conference speech

Tuesday 29 September 2026

"The Chancellor’s focus on apprenticeships is welcome, but he will not get almost one million young NEETs into work if he does not tackle the high cost of hiring that businesses currently face.

Our polling has found that 74% of UK business leaders say reversing the 2025 rise in employer National Insurance would have a positive impact on their business and 56% said they would be more likely to invest in the country. Employee jobs fell by 167,000 between October 2024 and April 2025 and entry-level roles have been directly affected.

Every NEET back in work represents an overall saving to the Exchequer. The Chancellor should make it easier for businesses to recruit NEETs by reversing the 2025 rise in employer National Insurance and removing employer NICs when hiring a young person who has been NEET for a year or more.

Without action at the Budget on 28 October, young people will continue to pay the price."

ENDS

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