News

Welsh employment rate remains lowest in Britain as poverty and joblessness rise

Published

6 months ago

June 10, 2025

Opposition parties blame Labour’s tax policies and call for urgent reforms

WALES continues to have the lowest employment rate in Britain, according to the latest official figures released for May 2025, sparking renewed political criticism over the Welsh Government’s economic performance and approach to tackling poverty.

The data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that employment in Wales stands at 72.2%, the lowest in Britain, compared to a UK average of 75.1%. Meanwhile, economic inactivity—people neither in work nor actively seeking work—remains the highest in Britain at 24.2%, above the UK average of 21.3%.

Unemployment in Wales has risen to 4.7%, a year-on-year increase of 1.3 percentage points, and the number of paid employees has dropped by 5,300 in the past month, according to separate figures from Stats Wales.

The figures have prompted concern from opposition parties, who argue that tax and regulatory policies are pushing businesses to halt recruitment or cut jobs.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Economy Secretary Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Under Labour, our economy is broken, both here in Wales and across the United Kingdom. You cannot tax your way to prosperity.”

He criticised what he called a “regulatory stranglehold” on enterprise, including business rates, the so-called “jobs tax,” and the proposed Tourism Tax, which he claims stifles growth.

“We would scrap business rates for small firms, revitalise our high streets and axe the Tourism Tax once and for all,” Kurtz added.

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick went further, saying: “These figures show the huge damage Labour’s misguided jobs tax is already having on the Welsh economy. With Wales more dependent on small businesses than other parts of the UK, the Chancellor must scrap it now.”

The criticism was echoed by the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Social Justice Secretary Dr Altaf Hussain MS, who cited a recent ‘Poverty in Wales’ report revealing that 22% of the population—around 700,000 people—are living in poverty.

This includes 200,000 children (31%), 400,000 working-age adults (21%), and 100,000 pensioners (16%).

“After 26 years of Labour in Wales, poverty remains stubbornly high,” Dr Hussain said. “We would cut taxes for working families and match England’s childcare offer, enabling more parents to work and reducing child poverty.”

The Welsh Government has not yet responded to the latest labour market figures or the criticism from opposition parties. Ministers have previously stated they are focused on reducing regional inequality and supporting job creation through skills programmes and targeted investments.

The full employment and poverty statistics can be accessed via Stats Wales and the Office for National Statistics.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

46 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.