Conservatives must resurrect plans for tax breaks to hire people from disadvantaged groups

Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable is calling on the Conservatives to bring forward side-lined plans to introduce tax breaks for employers who hire from disadvantaged groups.

In their general election manifesto, the Conservatives promised to introduce a 12-month exemption in employer's National Insurance Contributions when businesses took on people from groups that have found it difficult to find employment. These groups included the long-term unemployed, people with mental health problems, and those with a disability.

However, this is one of several election pledges that have not been fulfilled, or even looked at, while the Conservatives are side-tracked by their rows over Brexit.

Commenting, Vince Cable, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

"The government's Brexit civil war has seen their domestic agenda all but abandoned. One of their manifesto's many casualties was a plan to offer businesses who hire people from disadvantaged backgrounds a holiday from employer's NI contributions of a full year.

"This must be resurrected immediately to help groups that are increasingly marginalised. The groups who are helped should be broadened to also include refugees, helping those who want to rebuild their lives in the UK and contribute to their new society."