Cautious Welcome Given to Job Figures

The latest job figures from the Office of National Statistics are encouraging but tough times may still lie ahead, Gwenda Thomas AM for Neath said today.

Data released today showed that overall employment in Wales was up by 22,000 on last year. In Neath Port Talbot the unemployment rate has decreased by around 1% year on year. This is the third highest decrease in Wales.

Mrs Thomas said: “These figures are undoubtedly good news for the economy of Wales. They show that job creation schemes run by both the Assembly and Local Authorities are bearing fruit and beginning to ameliorate the effects of the recession.”

“This said, we must remain cautious. The recovery is far from assured and unemployment in Wales is still higher than the rest of the UK. Unfortunately the spending cuts forced on the Welsh Government by the Con-Dem coalition will inevitably make it harder to ensure that the recovery continues. Nonetheless we remain committed to investing in skills, research & development and infrastructure to allow the Welsh economy grow and compete on the world stage.”