Business chiefs attack Labour plan

JEREMY CORBYN faced criticism from business leaders as he proposed a programme of “socialism for the 21st century” at the Labour Party conference.

Mr Corbyn, in his leader’s speech in Liverpool, said the party would set up a National Education Service, partly funded through a 1.5 per cent increase in corporation tax, if the party wins the next General Election.

Mr Corbyn also promised to review tax and social security rights for the army of self-employed people, many of whom have set up businesses since the downturn.

He said the promises showed Labour would rebuild Britain and see not just “greater equality of wealth and income, but also of power”.

Adam Marshall, acting director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said many would be concerned he “is already reaching for the tax lever by asking businesses to pay for his education plans”.

Simon McVicker, of IPSE, which represents the self-employed said: “Most people who work for themselves freely choose to trade some of their employment rights, for flexibility in the way they work.”