Over 40,000 jobs were supported by the Welsh Government in 2015/16, Economy Secretary, Ken Skates, announced today.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The latest figures show the Welsh Government supported 5.3% more jobs in 2015/16 than it did in 2014/15, and that in the last Assembly Term ( 2011 to 2016), it supported nearly 150,000 jobs in total.
Ken Skates also announced recording breaking tourism figures which show Wales attracted 10.45 million overnight visits from GB residents in 2015. This was 4.5% up on 2014 figures when the number of visitors exceeded 10 million for the first time.
The figures show GB overnight visitors spent a total of nearly £2 billion in Wales in 2015, an increase of almost 14% on the previous year.
To celebrate the latest figures Economy Secretary, Ken Skates will visit the new Royal Mint Experience visitor centre and The Welsh Pantry in Llantrisant today, to see first hand the impact that Welsh Government investment is having on the local economy.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Ken Skates said:
“These latest figures show we are making significant progress in developing Wales’ economy. In the last Assembly term Welsh Government investment supported almost 150,000 jobs and our success increased year on year throughout the Assembly term.
“Latest tourism figures show similar levels of success with more visitors from Britain than ever holidaying in Wales, more overseas trips being made in Wales, and record levels of expenditure.
“And on top of this we know employment levels in Wales have reached record highs, our unemployment rate is lower than that in the rest of the UK as whole, and our inward investment is at its highest level yet.
“Later today I will be visiting both the Royal Mint Experience, and The Welsh Pantry, two very different companies, both of whom are thriving following Welsh Government investment and support.
“There is no doubt that we have built some firm economic foundations in recent years, and that our approach is working for businesses and people across Wales. I look forward to building on this success in the coming months and years.”
The Royal Mint Experience visitor centre has been backed by £2.3m from Welsh Government and is an example of how the industry, with Welsh Government support, is investing in innovative and high quality products and events which have helped secure growth in the industry. The investment from the Welsh Government has supported over 150 jobs at the Royal Mint site.
The Welsh Pantry has also benefitted from Welsh Government investment which has helped to secure a major expansion and create and safeguard over 50 jobs.