Nuneaton’s MP Marcus Jones has welcomed the results from a Government scheme to help unemployed people start their own business.

The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) was rolled out in April 2011 to help connect unemployed people with a business mentor and get a business up and running. From April 2011 to June 2014, 140 people in our area have started working with a business mentor, while 70 have started their business, left benefits and started receiving the weekly NEA.

In addition to new business creation in the area, Marcus has also welcomed the latest unemployment figures for the town. The latest figures from the House of Commons Library show that unemployment in Nuneaton has fallen by 30% in the last 12 months. Encouragingly, youth unemployment has also fallen by over 40% in the last year.  

Commenting, Marcus said: “The NEA has been a real success in Nuneaton helping people off benefits and starting their own business.

“The NEA is giving people financial support to help them start their business and get through the tricky early months. It’s fantastic that, since April 2011, 70 people in our area have come off out-of-work benefits and are now trading thanks to the NEA.”

“It is helping thousands of would-be entrepreneurs get off benefits and back into work. The Government is ready to back those who have an idea that can work and the can-do attitude to make it a success. The NEA is helping more people to realise their dreams in business and I hope more people will take it up.

“In addition to the successful job creation, we are seeing fewer people in Nuneaton out of work and we’re seeing huge reductions in the youth unemployment figures. Whilst there is no room for complacency, it is reassuring to see such progress being made.”