Inflation in the year to August remained at 3.8%, according to official figures from the Office for National Statistics.
Rising food costs were blamed, with food price inflation increasing for five months in a row as supermarkets passed on Government increases in the minimum wage and National Insurance Contributions (NIC) to shoppers through higher prices. 
Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses will be worried by inflation holding at 3.8% at a time when cost pressures continue to bite, especially on wages. The BCC’s latest economic forecast expects inflation to remain at around this level until the end of the year.
“Firms are clear that April’s rise in national insurance, continued strong wage growth and higher tariffs are all eroding their operating margins. There is also growing concern that sticky inflation will limit the scope for further interest rate cuts.
“Ahead of the Autumn Budget, our message to the Chancellor is clear – there must be no new tax rises on business. Firms cannot provide the economic growth we all need if they continue to be hampered by rising costs.”
More information on the ONS data can be found here.
Join Somerset Chamber of Commerce to give your business a stronger voice both locally, regionally and nationally. Combined with local town chambers, we represent over 2,000 businesses across Somerset with a direct line to policy-makers at all levels.
