The latest labour market statistics for Wales, published by the Office for National Statistics, were a damning indictment on the Welsh Labour Government.
In Labour-run Wales, unemployment has increased for the seventh consecutive month, and is the highest in the United Kingdom, our employment rate is the lowest in the United Kingdom, our economic inactivity rate is the highest in Great Britain, whilst Welsh workers receive the lowest wage packets in Great Britain.
In the Senedd next week, the Welsh Conservatives are bringing forward a debate on these dire economy statistics, and will call on the Welsh Labour Government to boost growth in Wales, and create jobs.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language, Samuel Kurtz MS, said:
“The latest ONS economy figures for Wales are a damning indictment of Labour failures at both ends of the M4.
“It’s clear that these key economic indicators continue to head in the wrong direction, with every lost job representing a livelihood on hold and the dignity of work deprived.
"In the Senedd next week, the Welsh Conservatives are bringing forward a Senedd debate to outline our plan of fixing Wales' economy by creating more jobs, and boosting growth."
The motion which will be next week reads:
To propose that the Senedd:
- Notes the Labour market overview published by the Office for National Statistics on 21st January 2025.
- Regrets that under the Welsh Government:
- Wales’ unemployment rate has increased for the seventh consecutive month to 5.6%, the highest rate in the United Kingdom;
- Wales’ employment rate has decreased to 70%, the lowest rate in the United Kingdom;
- Wales’ economic inactivity rate stands at 25.6%, the highest rate in Great Britain; and
- Welsh wage packets are the lowest in Great Britain.
- Calls on the Welsh Government to create more jobs in Wales and boost growth by:
- reinstating business rates relief to 75% for the retail, hospitality and leisure sector to support business and protect jobs;
- abolishing business rates for small businesses;
- levelling-up the whole of Wales with adequate levels of investment for all parts of the country; and
- working with the UK Government to cover the costs of their employer national insurance increase on private businesses.
