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MORE than 8,600 small businesses in Kirklees could be eligible for a tax break if they take on extra workers, MP Barry Sheerman believes.

He slammed the Government, saying it had failed Huddersfield on growth and jobs.

The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) came in for some criticism during a debate in Parliament yesterday on business policy.

The RGF is a £1bn two year fund designed to stimulate private sector led sustainable economic growth. The Labour party claims that the RGF had yet to hand out cash to 3,000 to 4,000 small businesses because of delays in carrying out due diligence on those benefiting from the money, putting nearly 12,000 jobs at risk.

As Labour launched its five point plan for jobs, Huddersfield MP Mr Sheerman said: “The Tory-led Government has failed to get growth and job creation going with the chaos and confusion which has beset its flagship growth policy, the Regional Growth Fund. “As part of Labour’s five point plan for jobs, more than 8,600 small businesses in the Kirklees area could be eligible for a tax break if they take on extra workers. This would help small businesses to grow and create jobs in the local area.

“We are also calling for a £2 billion tax on bank bonuses to fund up to 10,000 jobs for young people in Yorkshire.”