NEWS
EMPLOYER NI CHANGES PUT JOBS AND GROWTH AT RISK, WARNS SNIPEF
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s announcement of a rise in employer National Insurance from 13.8% to 15%, alongside a lowered threshold for NI payments, has drawn strong criticism from the UK’s plumbing and heating industry. Although the increase in Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500 will provide some relief for small businesses, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) warns that the broader impact of these changes will place additional strain on an already struggling construction sector. This could threaten current jobs, limit new job creation and obstruct crucial investments in skills and productivity. Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said, “The plumbing and heating industry is experiencing steady demand, but ongoing challenges from rising material and labour costs to frequent payment delays are
destabilising our members’ ability to thrive and grow. “While we welcome the Employment Allowance increase for the smallest employers, this increase in employer National Insurance, particularly with a lowered threshold, severely limits crucial investments in equipment, training and development, the very goals Labour’s own manifesto pledged to support.” SNIPEF’s latest State of Trade survey indicates that while 81% of members remain confident in their industry’s strength, only 32% feel optimistic about the broader UK economy. SNIPEF calls on the government to consider alternative solutions, such as further support and incentives for training and professional development, which would allow small businesses to continue delivering essential services without compromising growth and innovation. www.snipef.org
Fiona Hodgson, SNIPEF.
Grant continues to provide training to merchants, plumbers and installers at its state-of-the-art training facility in Birr, Co Offaly and through its online eLearning platform, offering flexibility for delegates to choose the most convenient way to complete Grant product courses and enhance their industry knowledge. The Grant eLearning Academy offers a comprehensive catalogue of both on-demand and instructor-led courses, enabling plumbers and heating engineers to tailor their training to meet their specific needs. The platform also includes additional resources, such as news articles and technical guides, providing heating professionals with valuable tools to expand their expertise beyond the virtual classroom. Alongside the Grant eLearning Academy, the Grant YouTube channel also provides a wide range of educational videos covering Grant’s heating technologies. SKILL UP WITH THE GRANT ELEARNING ACADEMY
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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 9
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