Pictured: Michael Ward

The Government is not acting quickly enough say West Midland business leaders as the latest unemployment figures show a sharp rise again to 165,250. The number of JSA claimants has increased by 726 and this does not include adjustments for people doing Christmas seasonal work.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group (BCCG) says business confidence is falling and is now much lower than in quarter 2 last year according to the Chamber's quarterly economic survey.

Michael Ward, president of BCCG said we need action now to bring forward infrastructure projects.  He said: "HS2 is all well and good but too far away to create the employment we need now. Parliamentary procedures could delay and damage the project. Schemes like the A45/6 which will accommodate the Birmingham airport runway extension, will provide more immediate jobs but the Government should be implementing initiatives which will encourage business to invest.

"We need to make doing business easier so that more people will be encouraged to set up their own business. Many of our members are small companies and the Chamber can do much to help entrepreneurs feel that they are not alone.

"We are campaigning for a reduction in regulation and red tape, much of it to do with recruitment, which will encourage business to employ more people and invest in training."

Mike Ashton spokesman for West Midlands Chambers of Commerce, said: "Our members are telling us they are cautious about investing and are tightening belts trying to get through the coming year without over-stretching their businesses.  

"Only 20 per cent of the service sector and only 23 per cent of the manufacturing sector reported that they intended to invest in training and this has been a downward decline over the year."