Labour's Counterpunch From 'Working People'

Labour has returned fire after more than 100 business leaders came out in support of the Conservatives, with a letter from "working families" calling for a change of government.

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The letter, signed by business chiefs, workers on zero-hours contracts and figures from the entertainment industry, says the country needs a Labour government "to put working people first".

It says the General Election offers a "fundamental choice" between a Britain that only works for "those at the very top" and one which rewards ordinary people.

"We are all working people. Some of us run businesses, large and small. Some of us used to work on zero-hours contracts, some of us still do. We come from all walks of life, this is what Britain looks like," it said.

"A symbol of the failure of this Government's economic plan is the proliferation of zero-hour contracts which has helped fuel the low wage, low skill economy that is letting down working people and letting down Britain.

"Britain only succeeds when working people succeed. We need a better plan for prosperity. We need a better plan and a better future. We need a Labour government to put working people first."

A Labour spokesperson told Sky News: "The point is that working families have a voice in the same way that CEOs have a voice"

Ed Miliband has promised legislation in a Labour government's first Queen's Speech guaranteeing workers on zero-hours contracts the right to a regular contract after 12 weeks of working.

His party released the letter after David Cameron tweeted about a letter, signed by 103 business executives , including former Labour donors, backing the Tories' handling of the economy.

"Today's business letter in The Daily Telegraph shows job creators support our long-term economic plan. Labour's taxes will cost jobs," the PM wrote.

Chancellor George Osborne said it represents a "stark" warning of the dangers of a Labour victory on 7 May.

He claimed Mr Cameron had "sought to mimic UKIP" as he stands neck-and-neck in the polls with Labour.

Sky News' poll of polls has not moved since Monday, predicting 279 seats for Labour, 278 for Conservatives, 52 for SNP, 16 for Lib Dems, two for UKIP, and 23 for others.

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