I notice that one of the companies critical of the Government's hike in National Insurance contributions is Hornby plc - a company which abandoned the UK for the vast majority of its production some years ago, and now employs a relatively small number of UK workers.
Sure the rise will have an impact on them, but it will be marginal, and I'm certain that any increase in VAT - likely if the Conservatives were to win the general election - would have a far more significant effect on their sales.
As a retailer of Hornby products I know that the public are becoming ever more unfortable with the spiralling increase in the retail price of many of their models, to the point that sales are starting to fall signifiantly in my shop compared with those of other manufacturers. An increase in VAT could be the straw to break the camel's back.
John.