Derek Thomas, Prospective MP for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is committed to delivering more skilled and better paid jobs. Derek says, "Addressing the need for more skilled and better paid jobs is the single most important an MP can do to improve people's quality of life and share wealth here in West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. I do not accpet that we must remain a low wage economy. With strong leadership and a willingness within the business community we can create more skilled and better paid jobs for local people."
Derek will work to ensure more skilled jobs are created by:
- Building confidence within the business community. Derek says, "I am working with business leaders to establish Cornwall as a good place to do business. I do not tolerate the view that we are the 'end of the line'".
- Improving mobile phone signal and broadband capabilities. Derek says, "£5m has been secured to improve mobile phone reception in Cornwall and 99% of Cornwall to have Superfast Broadband. These are binding commitments made by the Government and are things I have been relentlessly campaigning for."
- Convincing business owners to relocate to West Cornwall. Derek says, "Good health services, good schools, low crime, improving transport links, a good quality of life - need I say more?"
- Creating bespoke skills training to meet the demand. Derek says, "I have been talking with training providers to see what can be done to ensure our local workforce can get the skills they need in areas such as engineering and digital technology."
- Using local wealth and expertise to support new business. Derek says, "I am working with local business leaders to create an environment where local people with expertise and personal wealth can support and nurture fresh talent in business."
Geore Osborne said, "I have discussed with Derek about his plan for increasing the number of skilled jobs in West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. I believe his idea of using local expertise to nurture and support entrepreneurs could work well for Cornwall. It will create more jobs and greater prosperity. I am looking forward to discussing this further to see if there is anything the Government needs to do to assist Derej in this."
Derek does not accept that we must remain a low wage economy.