BCC: Reverse NICs hike to relieve costs burden The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called for an "emergency budget" and the reversal of the recent increase to National Insurance Contributions to help reduce cost pressures on businesses. Shevaun Haviland, BCC director general, said: "The costs crises facing firms and people in the street are two sides of the same coin. If we can ease the pressure on businesses then they can keep a lid on the price rises being driven by surging energy bills, staff shortages and higher taxes.” He explained: "Firms will then have the breathing space they need to raise productivity and strengthen the economy. But a change of course is needed now, if the Government does not act immediately then rising costs will put our economic recovery in a stranglehold that will have repercussions for years to come."