British PM vows small business help as election looms

London: Britain s under fire Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday launched measures to help small businesses navigate the weak economy, as he seeks to...

London: Britain's under-fire Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday launched measures to help small businesses navigate the weak economy, as he seeks to boost his standing before this year's general election.

Sunak, whose Conservatives badly trail the main opposition Labour party in polls, announced £60 million ($76 million) of investment to slash red tape and create 20,000 apprenticeships.

"This government is sticking to the plan and leaving no stone unturned to make the UK the best place to do business," Sunak told a business conference in central England.

"Taken together, these measures will unlock a tidal wave of opportunity and make a real difference to businesses and entrepreneurs across the country."

The prime minister said that from next month, the government will pay full apprenticeship costs for small and medium-sized enterprises.