The latest labour market statistics for Wales, covering February 2025, indicates that unemployment remains the highest in the UK at 4.8% and has been for seven consecutive months.
Wales’ employment rate remains the lowest of all of the UK nations.
Welsh Conservatives argue that new and punitive taxes are to blame, coupled with a lack of impetus from Labour to reform business rates.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy, Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“Under Labour, our economy is stagnant and our business tax regime is broken.
“Welsh Labour has presided over the highest unemployment rate in the UK for seven consecutive months. It’s no coincidence that Welsh businesses also suffer from the highest business rates in Britain.
“Welsh Conservatives would axe the tourism tax, scrap business rates for small businesses and restore 75% rate relief, in full, for the retail, hospitality and leisure sector, ensuring Wales is open for business.”
