Blueprint launched to save construction jobs

Small business leaders published an action plan today to help keep contractors working and save thousands of jobs.

The Federation of Small Businesses launched its five-point plan ahead of the Government's New Year Jobs Summit.

The plan involves promoting part-time working; investing in apprenticeships; simplifying legislation; giving small businesses more opportunities to bid for public contracts and cutting payroll taxes.

Federation national chairman John Wright said: “This is going to be vital to creating and retaining jobs in the small business sector during what is going to be a challenging year, with unemployment on the rise.

"We are calling for the Government to help small businesses to continue to invest in recruitment and training so they can grow stronger and more competitive, creating quality jobs and doing their bit to pull the UK out of the recession as quickly as possible."