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Asda Chair Warns of Business Struggles Amid Rising Costs

3/4/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Allan Leighton, chair of Asda, says Westminster decisions increasingly harm business.
He cites higher costs from minimum wage increases and new workers' rights laws.
Shevaun Haviland of the British Chambers of Commerce urges the government to bolster economic support amid low GDP growth and rising unemployment.
Leighton acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic for gradual improvement in Asda's performance.

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Story summary

Allan Leighton, chair of Asda, says Westminster decisions increasingly harm business.
He cites higher costs from minimum wage increases and new workers' rights laws.
Shevaun Haviland of the British Chambers of Commerce urges the government to bolster economic support amid low GDP growth and rising unemployment.
Leighton acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic for gradual improvement in Asda's performance.