The government’s new generation of enterprise zones are “more of a PR exercise than anything else,” according to Neil Yorke, director of industrial and distribution recruiter The Best Connection.

In March, the government announced the location of the first four enterprise zones that are designed to boost jobs and economic growth.  The new zones are in Nottingham, Liverpool, London Docks and Manchester Airport. A total of 21 zones are due to be created in England.

Incentives for businesses to set up within the zones include discounted business rates, super-fast broadband, and looser planning regulations. Among the zones supporters are Sir James Dyson.

Yorke continues: “Enterprise zones seems to be a tool for the government to be seen to be to be doing something.”

He adds:” With respect to encouraging hiring, the costs of employing people is a key issue. Government’s burdening businesses with increased National Insurance contributions cannot be considered helpful.”

For more on enterprise zones, see the new issue of Recruiter, out today (1 June).