Emma Reynolds clarifies small business owners are working people after criticism

Treasury minister Emma Reynolds clarified that small business owners are working people after criticism of her comments in a weekend interview. The row followed questions about tax rises affecting landlords and savers, and renewed scrutiny of the Government’s treatment of employers facing higher costs.

On GB News, Reynolds had said she did not think employers were working people, describing them as companies, and drew a distinction between employers and employees. Presenter Camilla Tominey challenged her with the example of pie shop owner Paul Bowen, whose businesses face higher national insurance, minimum wage costs and inflation. In the Commons, Reynolds said she wanted to correct the record and praised small businesses including bakeries, cafes, restaurants and local pubs; Conservative politicians had criticised her earlier remarks.