News
Employment rate in Wales still the lowest in Britain
Wales continues to have the lowest employment rate in Britain, according to the latest labour market statistics.
The figures, published for July 2025, show that 71.8% of working-age people in Wales are in employment, compared with a UK average of 75.3%. Economic inactivity – people who are neither in work nor actively seeking work – stands at 24.8% in Wales, the highest in Britain. The UK average is 21%.
Political reaction

Welsh Conservative politicians have criticised both the UK and Welsh Labour governments, claiming policies have made it harder for businesses to maintain or grow their workforce.
Samuel Kurtz MS, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy, said: “Under Labour, enabled by Plaid Cymru, the Welsh economy is broken. Keir Starmer’s Jobs Tax has hit businesses, forcing many to freeze hiring or reduce staffing numbers. This has been particularly devastating for younger people, who are disproportionately affected by these political decisions.
“Welsh Conservatives want to see a Wales open for business. We would scrap business rates for small businesses, introduce rate cuts in town centres, and axe Labour and Plaid’s Tourism Tax before it comes into force.”
Andrew RT Davies MS, former leader of the Welsh Conservatives, added: “Unless we can increase employment by helping businesses in Wales to thrive, we will see even greater poverty. These aren’t just numbers – when people aren’t in work, it affects their ability to provide for their families and put food on the table.”
Wider context
Economic analysts note that Wales’ labour market performance has historically lagged behind other parts of Britain, with contributing factors including health inequalities, rural transport challenges, lower average skills levels, and the impact of industrial change in former manufacturing and mining areas.
The Welsh Government has previously pointed to investments in skills training, support for key industries, and measures to reduce barriers to work such as improving childcare access. Ministers have also argued that some economic pressures, including inflation and UK-wide tax policies, are outside the control of the Senedd.
The full labour market statistics for July 2025 are available from the Office for National Statistics.
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
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.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
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.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
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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