Reading Liberal Democrats

Skills shortages, tax and immigration were just three of the issues raised with Lib Dem prospective MP Gareth Epps, when he met local hoteliers at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Richfield Avenue on Friday (23 April).

Gareth visited the Crowne Plaza, and met the management team to hear how Reading hoteliers had copied with the impacts of the recession, and to answer questions they had about policies and other aspects of the election.  Questions ranged from the future vision for Reading as a town and destination, to employment law and the difficulties of attracting staff into the industry.

Gareth said:

‘Businesses are finding it tough – but there is work that can be done that will make a difference.  For example, we have a skills shortage and people keen to work, given advice and training.  It particularly worries me that JobCentre Plus seems to send people for interview who are quite inappropriate – just in order to tick boxes.  This is an approach that helps neither businesses nor those seeking work.

‘I am committed to holding these sorts of discussions – it is another good way of staying in touch with my constituents.  It’s particularly important to understand what business wants to see from politicians at all levels.’