When even the largest companies in this country are struggling to make ends meet, on a month-to-month basis, it goes without saying that the small and medium sized enterprises are struggling even further. The money simply is not being spent and the government insists on producing more and more legislation that is usually to the detriment of such businesses.
In short, whether it is a café in Cheltenham or an estate agents York, many small businesses will state the fact that they are wholeheartedly worried about the future and are struggling to see any light at the end of the tunnel. Some tax breaks may have been announced here and there in the past, but nothing solid has been done to help small companies survive this current economic crisis.
One of the biggest drawbacks for small companies is the ridiculous employment laws that are continually being introduced. Maternity and paternity pay has reached a level now that is completely unsustainable for many small companies, that already have limited funds to spend on wages, and it can be little wonder why so many employees have felt the need to take their employers to an employment tribunal, when that company simply felt unable to adhere to their statutory duty of payments.
Whilst our thoughts may immediately turn to the largest companies in the country, when we think about what actually keeps the country ticking over, it is important to note that it is the small and medium sized businesses that keep the UK going. Perhaps it is time for the government to remember this fact and start giving these poor businesses a break. After all, you cannot get blood out of a stone!
