BUSINESS chiefs are urging Labour to step up this year’s growth plans — as economic “warning lights” continue to flash.
Bosses battered by National Insurance rises and fearful of workers’ rights laws say Chancellor Rachel Reeves must act.
It comes as a British Chambers of Commerce survey reveals fewer than half of UK firms expect to increase turnover this year.
More than half say they will have to raise prices in the next three months.
Many are delaying both investment and hiring staff amid business rates hikes and red tape.
New BCC President, Andy Haldane, said: “The UK’s economic warning lights continue to flash.
“Business confidence remains low and 2026 must be the year of delivering growth.
“It won’t come from slogans, it will come from backing businesses to get on and grow.
“If we’re serious about boosting productivity, investment and trade, we need fewer strategies and more spades in the ground, more deals done, more businesses scaling.”
Andrew Griffith, Shadow Business Secretary, said: “Until Labour stop waging war on business, Britain will stay stuck with weak growth and shrinking opportunity.”
Former PM Rishi Sunak added to the calls to focus on growth rather than seeking a “quick fix” such as energy support or rail fare caps.
He said not doing so would make Britain poorer and the welfare state less sustainable.
The Treasury said it was investing in the UK’s industrial strengths.
