Economy Secretary Ken Skates has today welcomed statistics showing that the employment rate in Wales increased by one percentage point over the past year.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The statistics also show that unemployment fell in two of the four economic regions (Mid Wales and South West Wales) whilst remaining unchanged in North Wales. Economic inactivity also decreased in three of the four economic regions.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said:
“These results are broadly encouraging for much of Wales, particularly Mid and North Wales, and demonstrate that our approach to supporting businesses in Wales during challenging circumstances is having a positive impact. But there can be no escaping that there is more to do.
With the UK Government seemingly worryingly reluctant to invest in Swansea and South West Wales and Brexit on the horizon, it’s absolutely essential that we continue to work closely with businesses and potential businesses across Wales to ensure opportunities are maximised.
My Economic Action Plan recognises that each region of Wales has its own distinct opportunities and challenges and that a one size fits all approach to Economic development will not go far enough to drive the economic growth we all want to see. Work to ensure each region builds on their individual strengths to secure maximum economic growth for Wales is already bearing fruit, with our three Chief Regional Officers in place and working closely with local partners and businesses to ensure our economic potential is realised.
There’s no question that 2019 will have its challenges, and through our Action Plan and support like the Brexit Portal, I hope that we can be a real help to businesses the length and breadth of Wales as we look to further drive up employment and cut unemployment across Wales.”