The Conservative Assembly candidate for Caerphilly has called on the Welsh Assembly to do more to help create private sector jobs.
Owen Meredith made the comments after a week of discussion with Caerphilly-based firms.
He said: “It’s been a great week. I’ve met with a wide range of people to see how we can work together to create the enterprise led economy that Caerphilly desperately needs. Only by listening to the views of those who have the ability to create jobs can we form the right policies in Cardiff Bay to help deliver them.
“I will be continuing to consult and work with the business community throughout this campaign – and beyond – to deliver a positive change for the economy in Caerphilly.”
Mr Meredith said official statistics reveal that employment in the constituency is more than 10% below the UK average at 59.5%.
The Welsh Conservative candidate for Caerphilly has been critical of the Labour-Plaid administration for failing to promote the private sector in Wales. The public sector now accounts for more than 65% of the Welsh economy.
He said: “For every six private sector jobs we have in Caerphilly, there are another four in the public sector. That is not sustainable. We need wealth creating business that provide real jobs.
“For the 2,511 people claiming Jobseekers Allowance; For the 910 young people out of work, education or training; For the 14 people chasing every job vacancy – we need a positive change in Caerphilly.
“After my discussion with local entrepreneurs, I am more convinced than ever that Caerphilly has the people and the spirit to get our economy moving.”
Denise Lovering, Director of Glenside Commercials Ltd, which employs 40 people in Caerphilly, welcomed Mr Meredith’s efforts to engage with the business community.
After a visit to the company’s headquarters by the Tory candidate she said: “It was very heartening to hear from someone who cares about businesses in Caerphilly, at all levels. I was impressed with Owen’s intention to work towards providing a better environment for business – which can only be good for the area as a whole.”