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Welsh unemployment fall ‘thanks to UK Government’ say Conservatives

17 Aug 2021 3 minute read
Paul Davies. Picture by the National Assembly (CC. 2.0)

The 6,000 fall in unemployment in Wales in the second quarter of 2021 was down to the UK Government, according to the Welsh Conservatives.

The Office for National Statistics said there were 62,000 unemployed people at the end of June, a fall of 6,000 since March. 68,000 workers however remain on furlough, with the scheme ending at the end of September.

Economy minister Vaughan Gething said they were “pulling every lever possible to back Welsh businesses during this incredibly challenging time”.

But Shadow Economy Minister Paul Davies MS said that the fall was owed to the UK Government’s vaccine procurement and business support.

“These are some welcome economic figures that show the labour market is beginning to recover after a difficult 18 months,” he said.

“We know this recovery is due to the easing made possible thanks to the UK Government’s vaccine procurement and business support delivered in the form of grants, furlough, and self-employment support schemes.

“However, there are hurdles still to overcome and we are still behind pre-pandemic employment levels, so we should be weary of a premature celebration.

“Now we need to ensure businesses get what they need from the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay – which is responsible for economic development – as we move into the post-Covid world and aim for a rejuvenated economy.”

‘Potential’

4.1% of over-16 year-olds in Wales are unemployed, lower than the UK unemployment rate of 4.7% .

Vaughan Gething, who was appointed to the economy role after May’s Senedd election, said that the figures were “encouraging”.

“However, we know there are still some real challenges facing the Welsh economy as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and the UK’s departure from the EU,” he said “We continue to pull every lever possible to back Welsh businesses during this incredibly challenging time.

“As part of our efforts to kick-start a strong economic recovery, we want to help create new jobs in the industries of the future, providing work and training opportunities to people across Wales. In particular, we have a clear focus on supporting young people into work.

“That’s why we are committed to delivering our Young Person’s Guarantee, which will give everyone under 25 in Wales the offer of work, education, training, or self-employment. We’re also committed to creating 125,000 all-age apprenticeships, giving people the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential.

“This Welsh Government is committed to helping to build a stronger, greener and more prosperous economy, in a fairer Wales for everyone.”

 


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GW Atkinson
GW Atkinson
2 years ago

Then so is the economical damage from Brexit.

Cynan
Cynan
2 years ago

Did somebody clone ReTweet? That thumb in a suit looks like a slightly less florid Gammon-In-Chief. Sound like him too. Stolen valour and deflected blame.
One wonders though why unemployment levels are currently lower in Cymru, if it’s all down to the Brexiteer Government. Since they are not known for bestowing their benevolence upon us, how come they are doing worse?

hdavies15
hdavies15
2 years ago

Tory Government ? We have much to be grateful for, but that gratitude should not be directed at the flip flopper regime in London and its fixation with vanity projects. Some thanks to Mark D for keeping most of us moderately safe over last 18 months or so. Now he needs to apply his team to a more imaginative stimulus of real business with worthwhile jobs created. It might even be possible by applying a light touch to steer through, just better application of skill in selecting which ventures to back. And remember that after 22 years running Wales blaming… Read more »

j humphrys
j humphrys
2 years ago

“Labour Gov. is responsible for economic development”, said Davies.

Wrexhamian
Wrexhamian
2 years ago
Reply to  j humphrys

…and therefore for reducing unemployment, despite what Davies said.

Quornby
Quornby
2 years ago

The only things to rise under the English tories will be the pension age, pointless wars and misery.

Barry Pandy
Barry Pandy
2 years ago

Of course if unemployment went up instead of down the Tories would be taking full responsibility for it and wouldn’t try to blame the Labour government in Cardiff at all.

Typical dirty Tory scum, claiming credit for the achievements of others and passing the buck when they screw up.

It’s called having your cake and eating it, something that all Tory scumbags are very good at, it is part and parcel of what makes a Tory. They did it with Brexit and you can guarantee that all the problems associated with Brexit won’t be their fault either.

Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
2 years ago

I can smell it again – bulls”t. If you believe the UK Tories have helped Wales in anyway recently – you need your head examined.

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