19,000 employers in Lancashire get National Insurance discount

Nearly 19,000 employers in Lancashire are benefiting from the government’s new Employment Allowance, according to the latest statistics.

Eligible businesses and charities can now claim a discount of up to £2,000 on the National Insurance Contributions they pay for their employees.

Announced at Budget 2013, the allowance is simple to claim and easy to administer. Businesses simply confirm their eligibility for the allowance through their regular payroll processes.

Around one in five has also invested in their businesses through equipment, machinery or premises, and one in ten has provided extra hours for staff.

“Our members have used the Allowance by paying workers more, hiring new people and increasing training. It's also good to see a quarter of those that used the allowance to hire new staff took on an apprentice. We will work with government to raise the profile of the Employment Allowance so all the firms eligible, claim it.”

“Businesses across the country can claim a cut in their National Insurance bill, worth up to £2,000, thanks to the Employment Allowance – and, if they haven’t already, then I urge them to do so.