Andrew RT Davies pledges “golden era of employment and prosperity” in Wales with creation of 50,000 jobs

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies will today visit a Cardiff high street to pledge his commitment to creating 50,000 jobs, if elected to government in May.

Earlier this week the Office of National Statistics (ONS) published a report which showed that unemployment in Wales has fallen to its lowest since the global recession – 5% compared to a rate of 5.1% for the UK as a whole.

The Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns MP, hailed the report as proof that the UK Government’s welfare reforms are working, adding that “every corner of Wales” should benefit from the “fruits of economic recovery”, which he said could only be achieved with two Conservative governments “at either end of the M4”.

A Welsh Conservative government would work closely with the UK Government and use a number of devolved levers to ensure further levels of job growth and a vibrant economy.

One of the things currently holding back employment levels in Wales is the Welsh Labour government’s Jobs Growth Wales scheme, by which many people are denied support owing to age-restrictions. Welsh Conservatives would end Labour’s 16-24 age-cap on support, offering new sustainable opportunities to people of all ages in cooperation with the business community.

A Welsh Conservatives’ programme will reform Jobs Growth Wales creating opportunities for older people seeking work. It will challenge existing stereotypes about older people in the workplace and extend their earning potential, in turn securing their financial situation in retirement.

Plans to reform business rates by splitting the Welsh multiplier will increase the competitiveness of small businesses by allowing them to keep more of their money which they can then reinvest in the business, allowing it to grow thereby creating more job opportunities. On top of this, Welsh Conservatives will effectively abolish business rates on rateable values up to £12,000.

Smaller sized businesses will play a further role in job creation in being encouraged to take on apprenticeships, and an emphasis on tackling the skills gap will be crucial for people seeking to re-enter the job market.

Our vision for a North Wales Powerhouse will devolve economic levers to ensure that North Wales does not miss out on the economic regeneration of Northern England and that the two regions engage in more cross-border trade to stimulate business expansion and employment opportunities.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, said:

“By ending age-caps on support, by backing small businesses and improving infrastructure, a Welsh Conservative government would create 50,000 jobs within the Assembly term, ushering in a golden era of employment and prosperity.

“Our vision for a low-tax economy would give small-to-medium-sized businesses the extra cash to reinvest into their businesses, encouraging growth and job creation, while – crucially – attracting more overseas investment.

“While recent unemployment figures are to be welcomed, there remains 76,000 people out of work. Under a Welsh Conservative Government, I would ensure that each and every one of those people has the opportunity to get back into the job market.”

Jayne Cowan, Assembly Member candidate for Cardiff North, said:

“After 17 years of Labour mismanagement, Wales’ businesses are being starved of the opportunities to grow – which in turn is preventing the economy from unleashing its enormous potential and providing more job opportunities.

“The most common gripe I hear from business owners is that business rates are unfair and that business owners do not have sufficient access to financial support so that they can expand.

“A Welsh Conservative government would recognise the vital role businesses play in job creation and, through a combination of tax relief and offering increased opportunities for apprenticeships and retraining, we will help people get back into work.”