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30/01/2004
Chancellor agrees to meet Beggs over insurance costs
Chancellor Gordon Brown has agreed to meet a delegation led by UUP MP Roy Beggs to discuss how Northern Ireland's small businesses can be better protected from crippling costs of public liability insurance.
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday the Ulster Unionist Chief Whip said: "We in Northern Ireland are enjoying the lowest levels of unemployment and the highest levels of employment in my lifetime. However, I plead with you to take account of the high costs of public liability insurance, which is crippling small businesses in Northern Ireland."
Mr Beggs asked: "Will you bear in mind the fact that success in creating employment in Northern Ireland is largely in the hands of small employers, many of whom cannot afford to pay the huge insurance costs that have been asked for and have simply sold off their businesses, making many people unemployed?"
In his reply Mr Brown said that the Government was "concerned about the issue of employers' liability insurance.
"It has been raised with the Treasury, and the Financial Secretary has had discussions with business. If you wish to lead a delegation to the Treasury to go through the issues again, we are prepared to listen to your representations."
(SP)
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday the Ulster Unionist Chief Whip said: "We in Northern Ireland are enjoying the lowest levels of unemployment and the highest levels of employment in my lifetime. However, I plead with you to take account of the high costs of public liability insurance, which is crippling small businesses in Northern Ireland."
Mr Beggs asked: "Will you bear in mind the fact that success in creating employment in Northern Ireland is largely in the hands of small employers, many of whom cannot afford to pay the huge insurance costs that have been asked for and have simply sold off their businesses, making many people unemployed?"
In his reply Mr Brown said that the Government was "concerned about the issue of employers' liability insurance.
"It has been raised with the Treasury, and the Financial Secretary has had discussions with business. If you wish to lead a delegation to the Treasury to go through the issues again, we are prepared to listen to your representations."
(SP)
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FSB jobs warning over insurance premiums
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned that up to a 1,000 local jobs could be lost if high insurance premiums are not reduced. At the launch of the FSB's report in the Stormont Assembly today, it was revealed that of the 375 businesses surveyed (each averaging 15 employees), 17% said they would close unless the situation is resolved.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
