It is very pleasing that 5000 people per day found work in the last three months. The highest number of people ever are now in work – 30.5 million people. The plan from the Liberal Democrats to build a stronger economy and fairer society is working.  These new workers also do not have to start paying income tax until they earn £10000. This will increase to £10500 in April 2015. Another Liberal Democrat policy successfully implemented while we have been in coalition. The rise in people finding work is clear in the graph below but there is still more to do…

Only the Liberal Democrats will look at implementing policies that will make work fairer but not being anti-business in the process. The type of work people are getting is a concern. Zero Hour Contracts, low wage jobs and wages being paid which do not keep up with the cost of living.

Our benefits system is too complicated for anyone to use if they earn a low wage. The implementation of universal credit which will simplify matters but culturally change individuals into monthly budgeting will help the process. The big question is why should we expect individuals to work and then receive a top up from our benefits system because their wages do not meet the cost of living?

That is why I support a living wage for workers, and wish our party to look at incentivising business through employee national insurance rate reductions in paying their employees a living wage. This will reduce the money we spend on Welfare payments and make sure that individuals feel pride in their work and valued because they are being paid a decent wage. Lastly, but not least, employers will also have a more committed and motivated workforce due to their employees receiving more than just the minimum wage.

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