Bradford business leaders, politicians and workers today welcomed Gordon Brown's back-to-work Budget.

They gave a cautious thumbs up to the reforms which included advice for 70,000 long-term unemployed, £100 million extra to tackle the skills gap and a reduction in National Insurance contributions for those on low income.

And there were also a number of incentives designed to help small businesses.

Moves to decrease taxes and simplify the tax system for small new businessmen were heralded as "steps in the right direction".

And the Chancellor was seen as cutting costs for employers as well as encouraging people to get back to work.

David Wilkinson, chief executive of Bradford TECH, said: "The proposals look to have very interesting possibilities. Providing additional opportunities for people to go into work will be a great benefit.

"Bradford has a growing young population coming into working age over the next few years. If this means they are going to ease their ability to find work it will be good for Bradford." The Budget was also welcomed by those who work with the unemployed.

Andy Dalton, an employment access worker at the HOPES Centre in Holmewood, said: "Lower National Insurance contributions and the new Working Families Tax Credit are welcome and should open up more jobs for unemployed people."

The Chancellor was praised for highlighting the needs of homeless youngsters and he pledged that a network of mentors would be set up in a bid to help them find work.

A spokesman for the Bradford City Centre Project, which offers help and support for homeless young people, said: "It's very positive that homeless youngsters have been recognised as one of the most disadvantaged groups in society.

"A lot of young people want to work but their personal circumstances prevent them from being able to stay in employment. Having a network of mentors is a good idea. Young people would have a chance to talk to employers and find out what they want and where they can use their skills best. Having understanding employers is bound to have some good effect."

Bradford business leaders also heralded the Chancellor's speech as a budget for small businesses.

President of Bradford Chamber of Commerce John Watson welcomed the lowering of Corporation Tax for small companies from 21 to 20 pence in the pound.

He said: "It will be welcome boost to the Bradford economy where there is an above average amount of small businesses and many of them are manufacturers. "Exports have stopped booming because of the strength of the pound. Any assistance through taxation is a welcome relief."

Raising employers' National Insurance contributions from £64 a week to £81 was also supported.

Mr Watson said: "National Insurance is simply a tax and the raising of the level provides an incentive for people to get off benefits and go to work. "I would hope that by the end of this Government we can do away with National Insurance."

President of Bradford Chamber of Trade Eric Hudson said the move would allow Bradford employers to pay more.

He said: "It will allow you to employ someone and pay them a reasonable salary without incurring an extra tax."

Mr Hudson also supported the Government's plans to merge the Inland Revenue and the Contributions Agency so employers would only need to deal with one agency. "Small businessmen spend a lot of time at the end of the year putting figures through the books."

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