Alison Griffiths, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP, has warned the Chancellor ahead of the Budget that hiring costs are holding back local businesses.

The MP held a meeting on Friday (October 16) with business owners from across Bognor and Littlehampton to discuss the challenges holding them back, with the new Chancellor John Healey’s first budget on October 28.

The cost and risk of employing people was the most common concern raised at the meeting, which was held at Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa.

Issues ranged from higher National Insurance and slow DBS checks to changes to apprenticeship arrangements and the cost of care worker visas.

Alison Griffiths, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP, has warned the Chancellor ahead of the Budget that hiring costs are holding back local businesses. Photo: Alison Griffiths MP.

placeholder image — Alison Griffiths, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP, has warned the Chancellor ahead of the Budget that hiring costs are holding back local businesses. Photo: Alison Griffiths MP.

A local childminder raised concerns about funding rates, rising running costs and recruitment delays, while a construction business said high taxes were leaving it unable to invest in the company. Alongside this, an engineering manufacturer highlighted the cost of recruiting specialist staff, developing new products and taking them to international markets.

Another concern was guaranteed hours, which are set to become a legal requirement under the UK Employment Rights Act 2025. They are being introduced to end ‘one-sided flexibility’ by ensuring employees who regularly work additional hours get a contract reflecting that.

Some business owners across Bognor and Littlehampton have questioned how these guaranteed hours will work in practice.

Alison Griffiths MP said: “I’m really worried about what I’m hearing from local businesses. Not just at my Business Club on Friday, but whenever I meet the people who create jobs and pay the taxes that keep our economy going. These are entrepreneurs, small and family-run businesses who’ve worked hard and taken real risks to build something.

“They want to employ more local people, expand and invest. But every time they run the numbers, there’s another cost or rule to account for. For too many, it’s simply not adding up. They fear how much more they’ll have to bear under this Labour Government.”

She argued that Labour needs to let people “get on with what they do best”, urging the Chancellor to reflect these concerns in the upcoming Budget.

Local business owners have also shared their thoughts, with Matt Cobham, director of Bognor-based C08hamltd, saying: “Labour is killing investment in small businesses. Higher National Insurance, increases to the minimum wage, rising energy bills, and all the other costs are taking their toll. I’m at the point where I could take my business to the next level, but instead of investing in growth, I’m having to hold more and more money back to cover taxes and rising costs.”

Ash Smart, co-owner and director of Littlehampton-based Harbour Park, argued that businesses now need the Chancellor to stop making changes which impact them.

“We know how to deliver, and we want to deliver. Just give us the confidence and freedom to do so,” he said.

The Autumn Budget will be delivered on Wednesday (October 28). It will be John Healey’s first Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer.