Local MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland have welcomed new figures showing that 120 people in Swindon have been helped off benefits and supported to start their own business thanks to the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance scheme.
The allowance – which supports people on out of work benefits to start their own business – has helped more than 73,000 people across the country set up businesses since it was introduced in April 2011.
The support available to people starts with help from a business mentor to develop their business idea. Then, once they have got the business up and running, and have moved off benefits, they are eligible for 26 weeks of financial support as they get their business going.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “We are supporting people, regardless of their background or where they are from, who want to work hard and get on. There’s more to do, but these figures show that our support is giving thousands of people the promise of a brighter future. Each new job these businesses create in Swindon represents another family with the security and dignity of regular work and a regular pay packet.”
Robert Buckland MP said: “It’s great news that 120 people in Swindon have been helped to get off benefits and realise their dream of starting their own business and being their own boss. Supporting small businesses is an important part of our commitment to backing working people. We want everyone in all parts of the country to benefit from the opportunities being created by our growing economy.”
