Government is "conning you yet again" over India trade deal

It hands British workers the bill — and Indian migrants the perks

By Gary Chappell

THE propaganda started fairly early – the UK has signed a “landmark” trade deal with India and it will “put more money in people’s pockets”.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood shoulder to shoulder with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, smiling for the cameras, calling it a “great day for Britain”. But behind the handshakes and headlines is a detail that should infuriate every working Brit.

Under the terms of the deal, Indian workers temporarily posted to the UK will be exempt from paying National Insurance contributions for up to three years. They will work here, use services, enjoy the infrastructure, but will not have to chip in to pay for any of it.

Meanwhile, the National Insurance rate for employers of British citizens increased by 1.2 percentage points, from 13.8% to 15%, from April 6. It is now more expensive to hire British workers than it is to hire Indian workers in this country.

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