Local business organisations have also called for measures to support employers.
Chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, John McCabe, said: “It’s a really tough time for business right now, with rising costs, particularly the costs of taxation, the costs of compliance with legislation.
“So those costs have got to be cut.”
Meanwhile, founder of Sunderland-based market research firm MMC Research, Natasha McDonough, called on the chancellor to do more to encourage start up-businesses.
“There’s a lot of people out there who are running full-time jobs and they’ve got what we now call side hustles.
“But actually, these are sensible businesses that could turn into something bigger.”
The Treasury spokesperson added: “The chancellor is fully focused on his priorities, to give families and businesses a bit of breathing space, back British jobs, and drive growth in every postcode, underpinned by a commitment to meet the fiscal rules.”
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