UK Treasury minister says employers are not working people
Chief secretary to the treasury Emma Reynolds drew criticism from opposition politicians after distinguishing between employers and employees during a television interview.
Chief secretary to the treasury Emma Reynolds sparked a political dispute after stating that employers do not belong to the category of working people. Speaking to GB News on Sunday, Reynolds said, “I don’t think employers are working people, they are companies.”
According to the Times of India, Reynolds clarified the distinction during an interview when asked if she was a working person. She told host Camilla Tominey that there is a difference between employers and employees.
Conservative politicians criticised the remarks. Shadow business minister Bradley Thomas accused the Labour party of a “patronising, out-of-touch” attitude toward small businesses, such as shop owners and electricians. Shadow work and pensions minister Helen Whately said the comments suggested Labour does not understand that businesses are built through hard work.
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge also criticised the distinction, stating that employing people is one of the hardest aspects of running a business.
The comments have brought attention back to the Labour 2024 manifesto promise to avoid tax increases for working people. This includes income tax, VAT, and national insurance.
A Treasury spokesperson stated the government will maintain its manifesto commitments and will not raise corporation tax, income tax, VAT, or employee national insurance.