The Federation of Small Businesses has called for guarantees that there will be no new attempt at a tax grab on the UK's millions of self-employed.

A previous plan by the Government to raise their National Insurance Contributions caused dismay and concern.

As Theresa May comes to terms with the result of the General Election, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said the Prime Minister and her Cabinet must support business owners and entrepreneurs.

FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said: "Now that it looks as though a new minority government is emerging, it is important for it to bring certainty and stability to UK business and the economy.

"Brexit is clearly the most urgent focus for the new government, with talks due to begin in a matter of days.

"But Brexit will only be successful if the government fully backs small businesses, the backbone of the economy, whose ambitions will need to be harnessed to make use of any new trade deals.

"UK negotiators must have their interests in mind, including easy access to the single market and the ability to hire workers with the skills they need.

"Brexit is not the only issue affecting businesses, though, and the Government can't ignore the domestic agenda.

"Many self-employed strivers were frightened during this election by the threat of a tax grab on them in the form of higher National Insurance Contributions.

"I call on the new minority government to rule that out once and for all in the upcoming Budget, to reassure entrepreneurs seeking to help our economy grow that they will not have extra obstacles thrown in their way.

"There is no majority in the new House of Commons for a tax grab on the self-employed, and this idea should be ditched immediately.

"Across the new House of Commons there is a consensus that the Business Rates system is unfair, outdated and in urgent need of reform.

"There is also cross-party agreement on the need to tackle the poor treatment of many small firms by their big business customers.

"We look forward to working constructively with Ministers and all parties on these key issues."

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