The boss of Sainsbury’s has said it is important “we don’t see a repeat” of previous Labour budgets after positive talks with ministers.

Simon Roberts , chief executive of the UK’s second largest supermarket chain , has said he believes the current government is “listening” after taking part in talks at No 11 Downing Street last week.

Mr Roberts urged the chancellor to avoid further significant increases to business taxes and labour costs at the autumn Budget next Wednesday.

“I think this government is listening to business,” he said.

“We’ve had the opportunity to meet with figures from government and stress that it is really important we don’t see a repeat from previous budgets.”

The supermarket executive urged the government to bring about positive reform to the business rate tax system, help encourage businesses to hire, and increase capacity rules linked to farming investments.

It came as he warned “many households are finding things tough at the moment” amid pressure on consumer budgets.

Simon…