UK Prime Minister welcomes construction job boost

Designed to support those in skilled building roles, Balfour Beatty has revealed that the sum will be spent on contracts with small and medium-sized businesses across the UK.

The GBP 1bn (USD 1.7bn) spend will contribute to supporting some 200,000 jobs within smaller businesses, 50,000 more than in 2013. Balfour Beatty's supply chain workforce could swell to 200,000, in light of the proposals.

Mr Cameron said: "Giving businesses the confidence to invest and create jobs is a key part of our long term economic plan.

"Balfour Beatty's commitment to spend a record GBP 1bn on small and medium sized businesses this year is very welcome evidence that this plan is working - supporting thousands of jobs within small and medium businesses, which will give hard-working people economic security for the future."

Nicholas Pollard, CEO, Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, added: "We are delighted the Prime Minister could be with us today to celebrate our GBP 1bn (USD 1.7bn) spend with small businesses this year, 98 Per cent of which are British companies.

"Small businesses create local jobs and apprenticeships and they are the innovators, engineers and exporters of the future. We are committed to supporting them so that we can build a better Britain together; leaving a lasting legacy in the communities we touch across the UK."