CLEOBURY Mortimer’s MP has welcomed news that, for the first time in three years, small businesses are more likely to take on new employees than reduce the size of their workforce.

Research conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), showed business confidence was returning as the UK economy continued to strengthen.

County Training, a training provider run by Shropshire Council, has also seen an increase in the number of local small businesses looking to recruit an apprentice, with apprentice vacancies said to be at an all-time high.

County Training attended Conservative Philip Dunne’s jobs fairs in Bridgnorth and Ludlow to promote apprenticeships to local businesses and jobseekers.

Mr Dunne said: “This research from the Federation of Small Business, alongside evidence from County Training, confirm my impression that both business and jobseekers in Shropshire are beginning to feel the benefit of the Government’s economic plans.

“Apprenticeships can offer young people job-specific skills and allow them to earn as they train. Employers can benefit from overseeing the training of new employees and fill any skill gaps in their workforce, making apprenticeships mutually beneficial to both jobseekers and companies.

“I urge local businesses considering taking on an apprentice to get in touch with County Training to take advantage of their free recruitment service and to see what grants are currently available to help meet the costs of taking on new apprentices or training existing staff.

“I remind local employers that from April next year every employer will get £2,000 per annum off the cost of employment through a cut in National Insurance.”