North West Norfolk MP James Wild highlights residents’ concerns in Parliament about Employment Rights Bill and rising energy costs

An MP has drawn insights from his visits around West Norfolk and raised issues in Parliament.

North West Norfolk MP James Wild says he has “continued to advocate” for businesses across his constituency by bringing up two subjects.

The impact of rising energy costs on manufacturing and the potential consequences of the Government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill is what Mr Wild addressed Parliament about.

Mr Wild said firms are facing sustained pressure from escalating costs and increasing regulatory demands.

From manufacturers facing record electricity prices to retailers warning of job losses due to new employment legislation, he said the message from local employers has been “consistent and clear”.

During energy questions in the House of Commons, he challenged ministers on the UK’s record electricity prices, which he said are significantly higher than those in comparable economies such as France, Germany, and the United States.

Citing comments from INEOS’ chief executive, he warned that Labour’s carbon tax proposals and wider energy policies risk deterring investment, undermining domestic manufacturing and increasing the UK’s reliance on imports.

Mr Wild said: “Growing the economy will need cheaper energy but INEOS’ chief executive has warned that Labour’s crippling carbon taxes and other levies threaten UK manufacturing and make us more reliant on imports.

“When will ministers start listening and realise that their dogma-driven energy policy is costing jobs and investment, and when will they actually act to make our electricity prices more competitive?”

In response, Minister of State for Energy, Sarah Jones MP, said: “As UK Steel said recently, the main driver of the price disparity is the wholesale electricity cost, which is driven by the UK’s reliance on natural gas.

“The best way to secure bills for the long term is to deliver clean power by 2030, and that is what we are doing.”

In a separate intervention during Business and Trade Questions, Mr Wild raised the concerns of high street retailers regarding the proposed Employment Rights Bill.

He referred to a new British Retail Consortium survey of major employers representing over 500,000 jobs which found that 70% believed the legislation would negatively affect their operations, with more than half warning it could lead to job losses. T

His concern was mirrored in his own business survey, where employers flagged cost pressures, reduced flexibility and long-term viability as key issues.

Mr Wild added: “A British Retail Consortium survey this week of major retailers employing half a million people found that 70% say that the £5billion a year Employment Rights Bill will have a negative impact on their business and half said that it would lead to job cuts.

“How does the Minister expect our high streets to cope with that extra cost, coming on top of higher business rates and higher national insurance? When will the Government actually listen to businesses and to the people creating jobs in this country?”

In response, the Under Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Gareth Thomas MP, said: “The Conservative party has a rather dismal record on support to workers.

“I gently say to the hon. Gentlemen, most businesses that do the right thing by their employees support the Employment Rights Bill. One reason the Bill is so important is that it will help put more money into people’s pockets, and that will have a knock-on benefit for high street businesses.”