Prime Minister David Cameron has insisted his government is doing “big things” to boost the economy in the north and north-east.
In a personal message to Press and Journal readers, the Conservative leader said recent tax breaks had helped thousands of businesses in the area.
Mr Cameron hopes the country’s improving economic conditions will persuade voters to stick with him at next year’s general election, but critics claim coalition austerity measures have slowed the recovery.
In a pitch to the north and north-east, the prime minister said: “The true test of my long-term economic plan is whether it will make life better for you, for readers of the Press and Journal.
“And one thing is fundamental to giving you a decent quality of life: the security of work.
“That is why getting behind the UK’s businesses is at the heart of that plan – because they are the ones who ensure you can take home a wage and provide for your family.
“One of the big things we are doing to back business is the Employment Allowance, giving every employer up to a £2,000 cut in their National Insurance bill.
“That is benefiting 3,300 businesses in Aberdeen and around 68,000 in Scotland – a better take up rate than most other parts of the UK.”
He added: “We are beginning to fix what went so wrong in Britain: businesses held back; mothers and fathers laid off; families fearing for the future.
“We are not there yet, not by a long way. If we want to secure a better future for Aberdeen and Scotland, we have got to stick to the plan – because that is the only way we will continue delivering jobs and security for you and your family.”