Conservative Party: Rebalancing the UK economy

Top UK firms including Asda, Centrica, and Microsoft have pledged to create jobs in the UK this year as part of a drive to generate growth.

The news comes as Prime Minister David Cameron holds talks with major UK employers in a "jobs summit" in Downing Street.

300,000 jobs have been created in the private sector over the last six months, and a survey by industry federation the EEF today confirmed that the manufacturing sector was set for strong growth this year.

Launching the jobs summit, Prime Minister David Cameron said:

"We can only get our economy back on track by creating a climate in which the private sector can grow and develop, creating jobs and opportunities for people across the country. This year the Government is determined to help deliver many thousands of new jobs and I'm delighted that the companies joining me today are part of that.

"Across a whole range of areas you're going to see the most pro-business, pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda ever unleashed by a government. Its time we looked forward to a positive, strong, confident Britain. By developing the right skills and jobs I am determined that the many not the few will share in the country's prosperity."