Business Leaders Back Tory Economic Policies

A Labour government would threaten jobs, deter investment and put Britain's economic recovery at risk, according to a letter signed by more than 100 leading business figures.

Senior executives from some of Britain's best-known businesses hailed the Government's economic policies, which they claim show that "the UK is open for business".

The top executives - including BP's CEO Bob Dudley and vice-chairman of West Ham United, the Conservative Peer, Baroness Brady - argue that keeping the Conservatives in power is the best way to ensure continued growth.

In an open letter to The Daily Telegraph, the signatories said the Conservatives' economic policies have supported investment and the creation of jobs.

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The letter has been signed by at least five former Labour backers including the chairman of Dixons Carphone (LSE: DC.L - news) and Talk Talk plc, Sir Charles Dunstone and former Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne.

The business figures write: "We believe this Conservative-led Government has been good for business and has pursued policies which have supported investment and job creation.

"David Cameron and George Osborne's flagship policy of progressively lowering Corporation Tax to 20% has been very important in showing the UK is open for business. It has been a key part of their economic plan.

"The result is that Britain grew faster than any other major economy last year and businesses like ours have created over 1.85m new jobs.

"We believe a change in course will threaten jobs and deter investment. This would send a negative message about Britain and put the recovery at risk."

Other business leaders to put their names to the letter were Prudential CEO Tidjane Thiam, former head of Marks & Spencer Lord Rose, chairman of the Arcadia Group Sir Philip Green, and chairman of Bloomberg Peter Grauer.

Bloomberg was the venue Labour used for its business manifesto launch on Monday, which was overshadowed by a backlash against an advert the party had place in the Financial Times , which used quotes from business leaders about the EU.

A number of the firms quoted were quick to distance themselves from political allegiance to the party.

It was also signed by executives from retailers Iceland, Ladbrokes (LSE: LAD.L - news) , Costa Coffee, Ted Baker, Mothercare (LSE: MTC.L - news) , Pizza Express and L.K. Bennett.

Labour's shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna responded to the open letter, saying: "No one will be surprised that some business people are calling for low taxes for big businesses.

"We don't believe, as David Cameron does, in more tax cuts for the richest in society - the priority is tax cuts for small firms, working people and saving our NHS," he said.

On Tuesday Labour pledged to reverse the Government's final cut in corporation tax to pay for a reduction in rates for 1.5 million small businesses.

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls also promised smaller firms they would be the first to benefit from future tax cuts if Labour takes power.

Later today Labour leader Ed Miliband is expected to announce plans to take a tougher stance on zero-hours contracts and improve employees' rights.

Under the proposal workers will be able to demand a regular contract after 12 weeks.

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