Keir Starmer defended Labour's tax hikes and employment rights red tape today as business chiefs warned the burden must not be increased again.
The PM admitted the government had 'asked a lot' of firms as he addressed the British Chambers of Commerce conference in London.
However, he argued that money from the monster national insurance increase had been needed to 'fix the foundations' of the country, by propping up the NHS and investing in skills and infrastructure.
The head of the BCC has sent a stark message at the gathering that companies are already 'wading through treacle' thanks to government policy, and cutting back on hiring.
There is alarm that more pain is looming, as Rachel Reeves desperately struggles to balance the books with the economy stalling and Labour MPs forcing U-turns on benefits cuts.
