ACC business levy increase draws anger

A rise in the Accident Compensation Corporation levy for the self-employed has drawn the ire of small business owners.

The average composite self-employed Accident Compensation Corporation levy is to increase 10 per cent in the new year. It will go from $3.22 per $100 of earnings, to $3.54.

However, Small Business Advisory Group spokesman Murray Cleverley says the levy on its own may not look so bad, but when it is compounded with other costs it paints a different picture. He says often small enterprises look to bigger businesses for support.

Small business owners now plan to sit down with the Accident Compensation Corporation to discuss the latest levy increase. But ACC Minister Ruth Dyson said the rise is in light of increasing injury costs and stagnant income.

- NEWSTALK ZB