MP calls for insurance breaks for businesses (From Worcester News)

MP calls for insurance breaks for businesses

8:10pm Saturday 27th October 2012 in News By Tom Edwards

FORMER foreign secretary David Davis has told Worcester traders he wants to see them get a new “national insurance holiday” to help the economy.

Mr Davis has also urged MP Robin Walker to knock on every door in Worcester to ensure he retains the seat at the next general election.

The 63-year-old, who twice tried to become Tory Party leader, was first elected in Howden with a slim 1,900 majority.

He has now increased it to 11,602, and says that Mr Walker, who is defending a 2,981 majority, needs to follow his example if he wants to keep hold of Worcester. “When I was first elected it was like Robin, I had a small majority and it was damn hard work to get it up to where it is now,” he said.

“The Worcester seat is very important, a key seat at the general election and Robin needs to really work at it to get his majority up – it’s not impossible, because I did it.”

During a meeting with business leaders at Worcestershire County Cricket Club he also floated the idea of firms getting time off from paying national insurance contributions.

The Treasury started a scheme in 2010 which ran until last month where new firms were given a temporary break from paying contributions for the first 10 workers they hired.

Mr Davis said: “I also think there is a lots of concern over regulation and that is another area the Government could look at.

“We’ve got to stand up for local communities and businesses and show them we are on their side.”