Revealed: Labour’s secret cuts to jobs scheme
The Welsh Labour Government has today come under fire for secret cuts to its flagship job creation scheme.
Jobs Growth Wales used to offer a 100% subsidy for firms to employ people aged between 16-24, but ministers have quietly slashed that subsidy to 50% without informing Assembly Members or the public.
Welsh Conservatives said the Labour Government’s “intransigence” had reached a new low.
Shadow Secretary for the Economy, Russell George, said:
“Frankly, it’s appalling that a decision of this size can be implemented without having the courtesy to inform the public, or elected members.
“This is a profound change to a flagship scheme, which will undoubtedly affect take-up, and which has only come to light because a business has tipped off the media.
“Clearly we need to see stronger checks and balances placed on the Welsh Government. It’s not uncommon for Welsh Labour to sneak big announcements out via written statements, but this takes intransigence to new levels.
“It also highlights the hypocrisy at the core of their spin machine.
“One minute the economy is in grave danger because of Brexit, now we’re told a 50% cut to their flagship job creation scheme is necessary because firms are doing too well.
“It makes no sense and I will be writing to the minister to seek clarity over the future of the scheme, and the budgetary implications of this dramatic cut to support.”
