SOUTH Craven MP Julian Smith has welcomed figures showing 2,100 businesses across his constituency are benefitting from the government’s employment allowance.

The allowance, introduced in April, is designed to make it easier for businesses to hire staff by reducing the National Insurance contributions paid for employees.

Mr Smith said: “It is positive news 2,100 businesses are benefitting from the allowance, making it easier for them to create jobs.

“We want to ensure every business that can claim this tax cut does. This is a key part of our long-term economic plan to back business and secure a better future for Britain.”