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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Business
Anna Wise

Economy and tax worries holding back small business spending, Barclays warns

A third of small businesses are planning to axe jobs amid worries over soaring staff costs while new employment rights are also set to see firms rein in hiring and trim their workforces, according to a report. (Alamy/PA) -

Small British businesses are reluctant to invest due to a lack of confidence in the economy and fears of further tax hikes, leaving billions of pounds of untapped spending potential, Barclays has said.

If small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) invested at the same rates as larger firms, around £60 billion of new investment could be unlocked per year in the UK economy, according to estimates by the bank.

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