Jeremy Wright has welcomed new figures showing that 1,900 businesses in the Kenilworth and Southam constituency have benefited from the Government’s Employment Allowance since its introduction a year ago, making it easier for small businesses to hire staff and create new jobs.

Our economic plan is backing businesses to create jobs, which is why it is so important that we stick to that plan so we can provide more people with the economic security that a regular wage brings. All that would be put at risk if Ed Miliband becomes Prime Minister next week, propped up by the SNP – hardworking people would pay the price with higher taxes and fewer jobs.

The Employment Allowance provides up to £2,000 off the National Insurance bill for every employer and is open to businesses, charities and community amateur sports clubs. 

The allowance means a business could now hire someone on £22,400 a year, or three people working full-time on the minimum wage, and not have to pay any employer National Insurance Contributions. This is making it easier for local businesses to grow and create more jobs in the Kenilworth and Southam constituency.

Since it was launched in April 2014, over 1.1 million employers across the country have benefitted from the Employment Allowance.

Jeremy Wright commented: “Our long-term economic plan is backing businesses to create jobs so more hardworking people have the security of a regular pay-packet. Since we introduced the Employment Allowance a year ago, 1,900 businesses in the Kenilworth and Southam constituency have had their jobs tax cut, making it easier for them to hire staff and create new jobs.

“These new figures show that our plan is working, but all that is at risk in just seven days’ time if we have Ed Miliband as Prime Minister, propped up by the SNP. Their plan for more spending, more borrowing and more taxes will put vital investment here in Kenilworth and Southam at risk, and hardworking people will pay the price.

“That’s why it’s so vital that people vote Conservative next Thursday – so we can carry on supporting our local economy and delivering economic security and peace of mind for people in the Kenilworth and Southam constituency.”

George Osborne welcomed the figures, saying: “It is great news that 1.1 million small businesses are now claiming our Employment Allowance. This confirms that our Employment Allowance has been a huge success - and a real boost to job-creating small businesses. Backing small business is at the heart of our long-term economic plan, a plan that is delivering jobs and growth across the country. Britain has now created over 2 million jobs in the past five years, and our £2,000 cashback on jobs has made it easier for small businesses to take on new staff. Our plan is working, but the job is far from over.

“At this election we face a clear choice. People can either vote for political instability and economic chaos, with a weak Ed Miliband propped up by the Scottish Nationalists, which will mean tax rises and job losses; or people can choose David Cameron and the Conservatives, and stick with a plan that is already delivering jobs, growth and a more secure future”.