Employers tilt to Labour win

More than half the UK's leading employers want a Labour government, according to a survey published today.Of almost 248 business leaders, 44 per cent said they believed a majority Tory government would be best for their business, with 39 per cent for Labour. But on a personal basis, 44 per cent said they wanted the Tories to win and 41 per cent backed Labour. Another 11 per cent believed a Labour government dependent on Liberal Democrat support would be best for their business, and 10 per cent personally wanted that outcome, according to management consultancy Vista Communications.

Another study published today says that almost 8 out of 10 British employers would be unaffected by a minimum wage set at pounds 3.25 an hour, the level at which a Labour government might set the rate. Reed Personnel Services found 15 per cent of employers reported such a statutory minimum would have an impact on their business.