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Pembrokeshire ranks among worst in Wales for employment rates

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New study reveals nearly one in three adults in the county are out of work

PEMBROKESHIRE has been named among the ten worst areas in Wales for employment, according to a new UK-wide study into economic conditions and business potential.

Business energy experts Utility Bidder analysed employment data across all local authorities in Wales — alongside other economic indicators such as transport links, qualifications, internet speeds, and business survival rates.

The results revealed Pembrokeshire’s employment rate stands at just 72%, placing it sixth-lowest in the country. That means almost three in ten working-age adults in the county are currently unemployed.

West Wales struggling

Pembrokeshire is joined in the bottom ten by nearby Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, and Ceredigion — suggesting a broader trend of employment challenges across southwest Wales.

Top 10 Welsh local authorities with lowest employment rates:

RankLocal AuthorityEmployment Rate
1Bridgend67.3%
2Rhondda Cynon Taf67.4%
3Powys70.2%
4Torfaen71.6%
5Neath Port Talbot71.9%
6Pembrokeshire72.0%
7Newport72.0%
8Swansea72.3%
9Cardiff72.6%
10Ceredigion72.7%

Despite its scenic beauty and tourism economy, Pembrokeshire’s relatively low employment rate may raise concerns for policymakers and local business leaders.

Wider Welsh picture

The research found the average employment rate across Welsh authorities is 73.2%, compared with 74% in Scotland and 76.8% in England.

Wrexham (78.7%), Flintshire (78.6%), and Monmouthshire (78%) recorded the highest employment rates in Wales, suggesting stronger job markets in the north and southeast.

Other findings in the study include:

  • Ceredigion recorded the highest five-year business survival rate in Wales at 54.1%.
  • Monmouthshire had the highest percentage of residents with level 4 qualifications (33.1%).
  • Merthyr Tydfil had the fastest internet speeds at 540.2 Mbps.
  • Newport had the best-insulated business premises, with 60% receiving a positive EPC rating.

Small business, big impact

Chris Shaw, CEO of Utility Bidder, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the Welsh economy, making up 98% of all enterprises. We wanted to identify where these businesses are best placed to succeed.

“While some parts of Wales are thriving, our data shows others — including Pembrokeshire — face challenges around employment and economic resilience. Pembrokeshire’s 72% employment rate means nearly one-third of adults may be out of work, which has a knock-on effect on local enterprise.”

The full report, including interactive maps and rankings, can be viewed at:
www.utilitybidder.co.uk/blog/uk-business-hotspots

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

  • Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
  • Common assault
  • Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • A second count of assault
  • Criminal damage
  • An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
  • A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • Intentional non-fatal strangulation
  • Common assault on a woman
  • Criminal damage in a domestic context
  • Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
  • Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.

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