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SCC DELIVERS MESSAGES ON UK BUDGET

Scottish Chambers of Commerce today met with Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy MP to highlight the key challenges facing businesses in Scotland and to outline some of the expectations for next month's Budget Statement from the Chancellor.

Commenting after the meeting, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

"It is vital that the Scottish Secretary listens to a broad cross-section of the Scottish business community as the Cabinet continues its debate over next month's Budget. Government action taken at the time of the Pre-Budget Report last November requires to be followed up with new measures designed to safeguard Scottish businesses and employment.

"The Scottish business community today made the case to the Secretary of State for a holiday for Employers' National Insurance payments, the scrapping of the planned increase in National Insurance planned for 2011 and assistance for businesses moving to short-time working. With many businesses still looking for the evidence of increased lending from the banks, it is essential that the UK Government uses the Budget to help businesses maximise prosperity and employment and retain and develop key skills for the future.

"Scottish Chambers of Commerce are looking to develop our productive relationship with Governments at Holyrood and at Westminster and we are confident that Jim Murphy will ensure that the views of Scottish business will be fully considered as the Chancellor of the Exchequer determines the shape of the forthcoming Budget."