News

£9m EU funding boost to tackle long-term unemployment

Published

9 years ago

February 17, 2016

Finance and Government Business Minister, Jane Hutt.

A £9 MILLION EU-funded scheme to tackle long-term unemployment in South West Wales has been announced by Finance and Government Business Minister, Jane Hutt.

Workways+, led by Neath Port Talbot Council, will offer training and paid work experience opportunities to 4,000 long-term unemployed people to help get their lives back on track.

Support will target disadvantaged people, helping them to take their first steps to re-engage or enter into the labour market.

Backed by £7.5 million of EU funds, the three-year scheme will benefit people in Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. The remainder of the funding will be provided by the South West Wales local authorities involved in delivering Workways+.

The Finance Minister announced the EU funds at the Baglan Innovation Centre – one of the locations where training and work experience will be available through the scheme.

Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, said: “We are committed to improving the career prospects of people affected by long-term unemployment and I’m delighted that we are able to invest EU funds to help us achieve this goal.

“The Welsh Government strongly believes that well-paid, skilled work is the best route out of poverty and that support must be given to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our communities to help them gain new skills and progress into sustainable jobs.”

Workways+ will also offer one-to-one mentoring, support with job-seeking and interview skills, and the chance to gain new qualifications. Support will target individuals affected by work-limiting health conditions and disabilities, as well as those with care responsibilities and low or no skills.

The project builds on the success of the first EU-backed Workways project which helped over 5,000 people in South West Wales into work between 2009 and 2014.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Cllr Alun Thomas, said: “The original Workways project achieved tremendous results in helping people into work, and was exceptionally well respected by participants and employers alike.

“I am therefore delighted at the Minister’s announcement that EU funding has been made available for Workways+, and I am confident that the dedicated staff will once again ensure that the project is a great success and will help many more people into meaningful and rewarding employment.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

9 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.