West London Chambers of Commerce, which represents businesses in Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham, is backing calls for the Chancellor to reduce the cost of employing young people.
The Chamber is supporting proposals from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) ahead of the 2026 Budget aimed at reducing costs for employers.
Among them is extending the zero rate of employer National Insurance contributions to 21 to 24-year-olds, which the BCC says would make it cheaper for businesses to recruit younger workers.
The BCC is also calling for all business rates multipliers to be cut by at least one percentage point and for the Government to fund 75% of the Renewables Obligation on business electricity bills.
Alan Rides, chief executive of West London Chambers of Commerce, said: “We particularly welcome the focus on young people. West London has fantastic young talent, but employers need to be encouraged and supported to give people that crucial first opportunity.
“Reducing the cost of employing 21 to 24-year-olds could help more businesses take that step.”
