Top restaurant and pub leaders warn that recent National Insurance tax increases could lead to significant job cuts and business closures. The Chancellor’s plan, which raises the employer NICs rate from 13.8% to 15% while lowering the payment threshold, has drawn criticism from over 200 industry signatories, including UKHospitality’s Kate Nicholls. The hospitality sector argues these changes disproportionately affect smaller firms and low earners, urging the government to implement measures to mitigate the financial impact. Despite anticipated revenue of £25 billion, industry leaders are concerned about the potential long-term economic damage.