Community

Plan to offer construction and hospitality roles to young people in west Wales

Published

7 minutes ago

December 7, 2025

Government invests £820m to tackle rising youth unemployment, with targeted support across south-west Wales

YOUNG people on Universal Credit in West Wales will be offered new training and work experience placements in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and health and social care, as part of a UK Government drive to bring down rising youth unemployment.

The programme – funded from the £820m announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in last month’s Budget – will create 350,000 training and work-experience places across the UK, and guarantee 55,000 jobs in areas judged to be most in need from spring 2026. South-west and south-east Wales are among the regions singled out for focused support.

Ministers say the measures aim to move young people aged 16–24 off long-term benefits and into stable work. Almost one million young people across the UK are currently classed as NEET (not in education, employment or training), a figure that has been rising steadily since 2021.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the new pathways would give out-of-work young people “a fair chance to make something of their lives”. The support will include a dedicated work session for every claimant aged under 25, followed by four weeks of intensive coaching before they are placed on one of six routes: paid work, work experience, an apprenticeship, wider training, classroom learning, or a workplace-based training scheme with a guaranteed interview.

Focus on sectors vital to the West Wales economy

For West Wales – where seasonal work, rural isolation and limited transport links have long affected youth employment – the concentration on construction, hospitality, and social care is likely to be significant. These industries remain major employers across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, with businesses regularly reporting difficulties recruiting local staff.

The Herald understands that officials expect more than 1,000 young people nationally to move into jobs within the first six months, with additional programmes promised as the government prepares to publish its national youth strategy.

Political dispute over the impact

The Conservatives accused the Chancellor of “driving youth unemployment up” through recent tax decisions, claiming the new scheme “gives with one hand while taking with the other”. However, ministers insist the investment represents a “downpayment on young people’s future” and will help address the rise in long-term sickness and disability among under-25s – one of the biggest barriers to work.

Further announcements are expected next week, including new details on the government’s pledge to make apprenticeships for under-25s at small and medium-sized businesses completely free.

Community

Pembrokeshire young carer joins Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey carol service

Published

52 minutes ago

December 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A YOUNG carer from Haverfordwest was among those welcomed to a special Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday (Dec 5), hosted by the charity’s patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.

Ambassadors, staff and young people supported by Action for Children were invited to the fifth annual Together at Christmas service, held to recognise and thank people across the UK who are showing love, compassion and community spirit in their daily lives.

Among the guests was sixteen-year-old Meghan, from Haverfordwest, who helps care for her younger sister, who has autism, OCD and a learning disability. She attended the event with Vikki Phillips from Action for Children’s Pembrokeshire Young Carers service.

The service brought together a 1,600-strong congregation, including Members of the Royal Family, and offered a moment to reflect on the importance of love in all its forms — within families, friendships, communities and even moments shared between strangers.

Meghan said: “Being invited to Westminster Abbey felt amazing – it’s something I’ll never forget. The carol service was so festive and uplifting, and it made me feel proud to be part of a community that cares so much about helping others. It was lovely to see everyone come together to celebrate love and kindness.”

Vikki Phillips added: “It was an incredible honour to be part of such a special occasion at Westminster Abbey. The service was a beautiful reminder of how love and kindness can transform lives, and it was inspiring to see so many people celebrated for the positive impact they make in their communities. For our young carers and families, moments like this show that their efforts and resilience truly matter.”

Action for Children said it was thrilled to have such dedicated young people and staff representing the charity at the event, demonstrating its commitment to building a more caring and connected society. Further details on guests can be provided on request.

The carol service was filmed for broadcast and will air as part of a special programme on ITV and ITVX on Christmas Eve.

Community

Saundersfoot lights up for Christmas as crowds gather to see Santa

Published

14 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAUNDERSFOOT’S Christmas lights were officially switched on Christmas lights were officially switched on yesterday evening (Friday, 5 December), with hundreds turning out in wet and windy conditions to welcome Santa, enjoy live music and celebrate the start of the village’s festive season.

The annual event began with performances from local singers and community choirs, who brought warmth to the cold evening with carols outside businesses in the heart of the village. Singers dressed in bright pink hats drew a large crowd as they performed under the twinkling canopy of lights.

The parade followed shortly after, led by a tractor decorated with illuminated antlers and towing Santa in his sleigh. Elves in festive costumes accompanied the convoy along the high street, waving to families who lined the pavements despite the rain.

Santa was joined by popular mascots including the RNLI lifeboat crewman, a giant crab character, and a familiar rugby mascot, stopping for photos with excited children throughout the evening. Many queued to meet Father Christmas at a glowing, bauble-shaped light installation — one of the most popular photo spots of the night.

As the countdown reached zero, the village’s towering Christmas tree burst into light, followed by the illuminated “Welcome to Saundersfoot” sign that frames the entrance to the village centre. Cheers rang out as the decorations lit up the night sky, marking the official start of Saundersfoot’s Christmas period.

Local businesses remained open late, and Harbwr Bar & Kitchen provided a bright backdrop as families gathered to watch Santa depart on his sleigh.

Despite the conditions, organisers said the turnout was “fantastic” and thanked volunteers, the Saundersfoot community groups, and emergency services for helping the evening run smoothly.

Photos: Gareth Davies/Herald

Community

Christmas cheer as Young at Heart group fills Pembroke Town Hall

Published

15 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE Town Hall was packed on Friday afternoon (Dec 5) as the Pembroke Young at Heart group held its annual Christmas service and dinner.

The well-attended event brought together members from across the community for an afternoon of music, food and festive celebration.

A freshly prepared Christmas meal was served, with organisers giving special thanks to Dai Powell, who cooked the dinner, and to the team of volunteers who helped run the event. The helpers included Liz, Ann, Anne, Kaylee, Jayne, Dennis, Jo, Gareth, Jenny, Rob, Mo, Heidi and Will.

Pembroke Town Council said the afternoon would not have been possible without the support of its volunteers, who ensured the hall was decorated, guests were welcomed, and everyone left in the Christmas spirit.

The event forms part of the council’s programme of activities for older residents during the festive season.