Welsh Conservatives unveil multi-million-pound scheme to help create next generation of microbusinesses.

The Welsh Conservatives have unveiled a multi-million-pound scheme to enable the creation and expansion of the next generation of microbusinesses.

In a bid to deliver more employment opportunities by both supporting the creation and expansion of microbusinesses, the Welsh Conservatives have pledged to introduce the Jump Start Scheme.

The £34-million-pound fund would pay microbusiness employers national insurance contributions for the first two staff members that are hired for two years.

Andrew RT Davies MS, the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Welsh Parliament, said the scheme would “transform” Wales’ sluggish economy:

“The pandemic has hit Wales—and, indeed, the whole world—for six, so it’s vital that no time is wasted in delivering a robust recovery plan post-pandemic.

“We simply cannot allow the Welsh economy to tumble backward to its pre-pandemic state, where, bluntly, Welsh Labour’s attitude towards it had been as useful as a bucket full of holes.

“Today’s launch of our Jump Start Scheme will put an end to that, by showing that Welsh Conservatives are resolutely on the side of microbusinesses and Welsh workers.

“Our scheme will remove unnecessary weights from around their ankles and usher in a new era of opportunity and expansion for people in Wales.

“We’ll create a more favourable environment for Welsh businesses and economic growth, leading to more jobs and a better Wales.”

Russell George MS, the Shadow Minister for Economy, Russell George MS, added:

“We already know that Welsh Labour don’t know what they’re doing on the economy—and I’m quoting one of their ministers. But the Welsh Conservatives do.

“Our bold Jump Start Scheme will provide the blueprint to ensure a win-win scenario between employer and employee; allowing, on the one hand, the creation and expansion of a business and, on the other hand, delivering more job opportunities for local people.

“We need to remove as many obstacles to job creation as possible – and our scheme undoubtedly achieves this because it sends a very clear signal that Wales’ microbusinesses are open for business.

“Our plan will create and strengthen the next generation of microbusinesses and put them firmly at the forefront of the UK economy.”