NEWSLETTER #63Banging the drum for businesses and bringing more jobs to RedditchIt's been great to get out and about, meeting so many of you this week. I have had lots of discussions with residents across the constituency and enjoyed sharing with them my priorities and aspirations for our area. If I haven't made it to your door yet then there'll almost certainly be a Team Lumley coming your way soon.
As you know my #1 priority for Redditch County is to bang the drum for businesses to invest locally, boosting the economy and bringing more jobs to Redditch.
Last week we had the very welcome announcement from the Prime Minister that the next Conservative Government will create two million new jobs.
Last month there were still 982 people in Redditch County claiming JSA. Whilst this number has fallen massively since 2010 (by over 1,000 and with 1,000 more people in secure full time jobs) in my mind this is still 982 people too many.
Having met many people looking for work, particularly in the hundreds of surgeries I have hosted, I know just how important it is for people's well-being that they are able to find a job and provide for themselves and their families. Employment provides stability, security and self-satisfaction.
For all those of us back to work after the Easter weekend there was also the welcome news that on Monday our new tax and benefit changes came into effect, cutting tax for over 26 million people and lifting over 3 million out of tax altogether since 2010.
In 2010 you could only earn £6,475 tax-free. Now you can earn £10,600. A typical basic rate taxpayer will be paying £825 less income tax as a result.
To build a Britain that rewards work, the next Conservative Government will cut income tax for 30 million people and take everyone who earns less than £12,500 out of income tax altogether, meaning somebody working 30 hours on the minimum wage will pay no income tax on their earnings.
Because of our plan, people will keep more of their own money and it will always pay to work. This is the only way to deliver real and lasting financial security for families.
On the subject of jobs, yesterday I welcomed Cabinet Minister, Sajid Javid, to Redditch where we visited eResponse Recruitment. I am really impressed by how much eResponse has grown over the past few years. They are experts in their field and have helped thousands of people find employment locally. They also provide fantastic training to ensure that those looking for work have the skills they need to get on.
I was really encouraged to learn that they are finding there to be so many opportunities for job seekers in Redditch County. Since 2010 unemployment has fallen by over 60 per cent and youth unemployment is down by over 70 per cent.
I want to live in a Britain that lives within its means and has full employment with work rewarded. Read more about my record and common sense plan for jobs here.
Best wishes
Karen
"When Karen praised my shop in the House of Commons it was the proudest moment of my life. I feel very honoured to have had my hard work recognised in Parliament and would like to thank Karen for this. She is very supportive of me and other small business owners."
Emma Sutor
Lady Muck Vintage
"I came to work forKaren whilst unemployed, specifically to help out with her Apprenticeships & Skills Fair in July 2014, something I was particularly interested in. I gained valuable experience to add to my CV and secured a full-time position whilst working for Karen. I was absolutely delighted and grateful to Karen for the support she had given me."
Rebekah Buffong
Matchborough Resident