Sainsbury's boss warns Chancellor John Healey not to hit Britain's beleaguered firms with fresh taxes in next week's Budget

Sainsbury's chief Simon Roberts says Labour's 2024 national insurance raid has already driven up costs across retail and hospitality, and there must be no repeat. Rachel Reeves imposed the hike on employers despite courting business. Healey now vows to back 'bloody-minded entrepreneurs' and is expected to cut red tape for smaller firms. Many bosses remain sceptical ahead of Wednesday's Budget.

The Entertainer boss Andrew Murphy says Reeves pulled 'the biggest 180' on business.

Marks & Spencer and JD Sports bosses also want the national insurance hikes rolled back.

Murphy warns 'tinkering around the edges' will not make a decisive difference.