The Liberal Democrats have announced that our number one priority for campaigning over the next year will be  jobs.

Jobs and employment are a top priority for ordinary people.

Britain is creating jobs, but it doesn’t always feel like it. But since the Liberal Democrats came into government in 2010, we’ve helped British businesses create more than a million jobs. Now we want to help them create a million more jobs.

Since 2010 we have helped create:

– Jobs for young people – 1.2 million apprentices and 110,000 work placements for young people out of work
– Jobs in manufacturing – £5.5bn extra into science, high-tech manufacturing and renewable energy
– Jobs outside London – £2.6bn in our Regional Growth Fund, giving money to growing businesses around the country
– Jobs building Britain – £15.3bn to improve Britain’s roads, railways and housing
– Help for job creators – £2,000 cash back to employers on the tax they pay on their employees, to make it more affordable for businesses to take on staff
– Green jobs – £3bn to fund the world’s first Green Investment Bank, putting extra money into renewable energy, waste disposal and energy efficiency
– Rural jobs – £530m to improve access to superfast broadband, creating jobs and helping rural businesses

Liberal Democrats made jobs a priority when we came into office and the Coalition is investing record sums in helping firms hire and train apprentices. We’re also cutting red tape so it’s easier for smaller firms to take people on.

But there are still firms and young people missing out. We have nearly five million businesses in the UK, but little over 100,000 currently offer apprenticeships. We need to be more ambitious and double the number of companies offering apprenticeships.

If you’re an employer, take up the help that’s available: these young men and women will create the committed, enthusiastic and skilled workforce your company needs. There are grants and training available, and a clear benefit to your business.

And if you are a young person considering what path to take when you leave school, or you’re uncertain about your future, look into apprenticeships. They can be the first step to a well-paid and rewarding career.

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