Dorset Chamber is holding a poll of business amid ‘significant concerns’ about the government’s hike in National Insurance for employers.

It has called for all businesses in the county – members and non-members – to take part to provide an accurate and evidenced understanding of the issue so it can lobby at the highest level.

The chamber, Dorset’s leading business support organisation, is also mobilizing its nine-strong network of affiliated town chambers of commerce to get behind the survey.

In her recent Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced an  increase from 13.8% to 15% in the employers National Insurance rate from April 2025.

Dorset Chamber, the county’s voice of business, launched poll after hearing of major fears about the rise – including recruitment and pay rise freezes, workforce cuts, price increases for customers and cancelled investment plans.

Ian Girling, chief executive, said: “Many businesses across a number of sectors are telling us of their significant concerns about the affordability of the NI increases and the wider impacts this will have on businesses and consumers, who will no doubt feel the pain of these additional costs to business.

“An accurate understanding and informed view is important if we are to lobby on behalf of Dorset businesses as the voice of business, both locally, nationally and through the British Chambers of Commerce at the highest level of government.

“Businesses completely understand that taxation and investment in public services is vital. But the view of many we talk to is that this was not at all a budget for business but a blunt taxation tool that has been inflicted on employers in what is already a challenging economic climate.”

Ian added: “I would urge all businesses to complete this survey, whether they are members of the chamber or not.

“It is so important that we have the weight of replies so we can talk about this issue with the utmost authority, credibility and influence.”

In the recent Budget, the Chancellor also announced that employers will start paying National Insurance on more of an employee’s earnings with the threshold reducing from £9,100 to £5,000. The employment allowance will go up from £5,000 to £10,500.

Questions in the survey cover the level of concern about the NI increase and impact on monthly wages, business and cash flow.

It also offers employers the chance to make a public statement should they wish.

All responses will be treated in complete confidence apart from the public statements and any information sent to other organisations as part of the chamber’s lobbying will be anonymised.

Dorset Chamber has 700 members representing more than 37,000 employees. It is the only chamber in the county affiliated to the British Chambers of Commerce.

Its affiliated chambers are Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Bridport Business Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Dorchester Chamber for Business, Gillingham Chamber of Commerce, Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce, Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce, SturBiz Sturminster Newton Chamber of Commerce, Swanage and District Chamber of Commerce and Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce.

The survey closes on December 13 and the results will be published in a report before letters are sent to government and other lobbying takes place.

Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VYMZMCY to complete the survey.