Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, has said that the UK Labour Government’s U-turn to reimburse Scottish public sector organisations for the National Insurance hike confirms that they failed to consider the implications of this policy.

The rise in employer National Insurance contributions could cost public sector organisations in Wales between £272m and £380m, per Plaid Cymru’s calculations.

Last week, Plaid Cymru held a debate in the Senedd calling for the Labour Government in Wales to stand up for Wales and demand public sector organisations, including universities, charities and GP surgeries, are all fully reimbursed by the Treasury.

The Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford MS, responded to the debate and failed to stand up for all public sector employers who will be impacted by this policy.

Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “Labour’s decision to reimburse Scottish public sector organisations for the NI hike is testament to the campaigning of the Scottish Government, and proves that the UK Government failed to fully consider the implications of this policy from the outset.

“The Labour Welsh Government should understand that Wales needs the same commitment - only last week, Mark Drakeford even accused Plaid Cymru of playground politics for demanding this money.

“Like in Scotland, Wales will be disproportionately hit by this increase – which could cost organisations here as much as £380m at a time when they’re already struggling. At the very least, Wales should receive its relative share of what Scotland gets.

“Plaid Cymru is clear that the UK Government must fully reimburse all public organisations and we must recognise the impact on businesses too - both on wages and jobs.

“If ‘two Labour governments working together’ means anything, the Labour Welsh Government must secure this money in full.”