Business
Casual and part-time workers: Most vulnerable to job loss

A NEW series of reports that focus on the effects of Coronavirus on employment in Wales was published on Thursday, May 27, by Public Health Wales.
Young people, and those in precarious work have been identified as being especially vulnerable to employment changes caused by the pandemic, with mental wellbeing and struggles to find or keep work cited as major concerns.
Many young people are unaware of the support that is already available and how to access it, suggesting a greater need for organisations to engage with young people on a deeper level, to find solutions to the barriers they face for gaining good, fair employment –critical for people’s good health and wellbeing.
FURLOUGH HAD UNEQUAL IMPACT
Dr Benjamin Gray, Public Health Researcher at Public Health Wales, said: “18-29-year-olds are the age group with the highest proportion placed on furlough (41%) and 2.5 times more likely to have been placed on furlough than the 40-49 years age group and as such risk an uncertain future. Furlough could potentially mask a longer-term impact of Covid-19 on unemployment, and this is a concern, especially amongst this age group.”
Dr Ciarán Humphreys, Consultant in Public Health with the Wider Determinants of Health Unit at Public Health Wales, said: “Young people have told us they have been hit by a multitude of factors that will potentially have long-lasting effects on their employment prospects.
“It’s not just about being in work, though. It is the nature, quality, and long-term prospects of that work – good, fair work, that’s so important for people’s health. We saw this impact play out in the study.
“Some working young people we heard from struggled with the impacts of work changes outside their control on their mental wellbeing, whereas most of those in stable employment generally felt well, supported by their employer, and confident about the future.
“We know that at UK, Wales and local levels there have been important actions taken to mitigate the impact of these employment changes. However, some of these are expected to come to an end.
“A clear message from our work is that it will take a range of approaches to support young people responding to the employment challenges of the pandemic, to improve health.
“Action can be taken at national, regional and local level. Employers, too, have an important role in helping young people into good quality work, and that includes public sector organisations.
“If we are to safeguard future health we will need to work collaboratively and effectively, involving young people.”
The reports are the first in a series of planned employment analysis by the Public Health Wales Population Health programme exploring the impact of Coronavirus on the Welsh labour market and will help inform policy and decision-makers.
Further phases of the research will look at how challenges could be addressed as the economy reopens and recovers, so that those most at risk of longer-term harm from the crisis can secure decent quality future employment, training, and education.
Key findings across the reports were:
• Around a quarter of a million workers were employed in shutdown sectors in Wales (18 per cent of all workers) at the outset of the pandemic with young workers (aged 16-24) much more likely to be employed in shutdown sectors (36 per cent compared to 11 per cent of those aged 35-64).
• Young people faced varied and complex challenges due to the pandemic. In addition to the challenge in gaining, retaining, and partaking in good, fair work, issues raised included the effects of the temporary lockdown, such as disruption of vocational learning and home-schooling, or exacerbation of pre-existing issues such as the nature of employment for young people, Brexit and reported lower uptake of universal credit.
• Those who work in low-paid, insecure work have less protection and rights due to the ‘flexible’ nature of their jobs. Young people are chief among these due to the specific sectoral trends in employment contract types. These employment changes have also translated into significantly different impacts for distinct groups, with those living in deprived areas of Wales appearing to have fared worst.
• There is substantial uncertainty about the future, especially when government schemes such as furlough come to an end as these cushioned the economic pain caused by the pandemic.
• Young people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and are likely to feel the effects for some time with concerns over scarring effects on job prospects and the potential for higher tax in the future to pay for the financial support schemes introduced by the Government during the pandemic.
• While interventions are perceived by decision-makers and influencers to be available, apart from the furlough scheme, young people in this study did not, on the whole, appear familiar with them or accessing the support.
• It will be critical to ensure young people are involved in the development of future support.
• Evidence suggests that labour market policies can substantially impact the health of both the employed and unemployed populations in a positive way.
• A range of policies are linked with improved mental and physical health outcomes, as well as reduced health inequalities; however, some, such as benefit sanctions, have been linked to either no health benefit or even harm.
Business
Former Haverfordwest chapel school building could be turned into flats

PLANS to convert the Sunday School building of Haverfordwest’s former Wesleyan Chapel, once the site of a regular place for preaching by John Wesley himself, to six flats have been lodged with Pembrokeshire County Council.
An application to council planners, which has no clear details about the applicant, listing Vitaly + Partners ltd as either the applicant or the agent, seeks the conversion of the Chapel Lane building.
Accompanying documents say Haverfordwest was a regular place of preaching for John Wesley, the founding father of Methodism, first visiting in 1763, with the first chapel built in 1772. By 1781 there were 60 members in the town, the largest congregation in the Pembrokeshire Circuit.
The chapel was rebuilt in 1818 and enlarged in 1835; the adjoining schoolroom built in 1874, with further chapel works in 1880-1.
The chapel closed in 1985 and the interior was stripped for use as an antiques showroom.
A heritage statement accompanying the application says: “The works on internal alternations of former school building started in 2014 after planning permission was approved. Then other records show that works has re-started in 2020. There are previous building inspector assessment notes available for more details. Since there has been numerous of owners and works started again in 2024.”
It adds: “The main factor to support proposed development is in fact it was approved few times in the past. The works already began, and the original layout and external elements are already altered.
“The building was abandoned and not maintained in any way. It did not look pretty and had a negative impact on the residents of the town. The building has had its original use adopted numerous of times to suit the needs of the particular time period and serve the town accordingly.
“The maintenance work to the building has already shown how much cleaner and more beautiful the building appearance became and it has had good impact on the residents who shared their views on social media talking positively about the renovation works on the building.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Business
Halfords offering interviews to all staff affected by ATS closures in Wales

HALFORDS extended an offer of interviews to all members of staff affected by the closure of the ATS Euromaster branches in Brecon, Pontypridd and Llanelli
This follows ATS Euromaster’s recent announcement that 86 of its service centres are set to close.
With 639 garages nationwide, including branches in these affected towns, Halfords is one of the UK’s largest employers of automotive technicians. The company services, maintains, and repairs vehicles for 1,400,000 customers annually.
The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified automotive technicians, with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) estimating 20,000 vacancies in the sector.
Halfords remains committed to creating rewarding career pathways, offering opportunities for qualified technicians looking to develop new skills—such as EV servicing—as well as young people entering the industry through apprenticeships.
In addition to supporting ATS employees, Halfords is also stepping in to help customers affected by the closures, ensuring they continue to have access to trusted and competitive automotive services.
Support for ATS customers
To assist those whose bookings are impacted by ATS branch closures, Halfords garages will prioritise MOT and other service bookings originally made with ATS wherever possible, helping customers avoid delays and ensuring their vehicles remain roadworthy.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with ATS to explore employment opportunities for affected colleagues, while also ensuring that motorists in this part of Wales continue to have access to competitive, convenient, and trusted automotive services,” said Chris Rose, Halfords. Divisional Director
Business
Fishermen upset over financial impact of Castlemartin Range closures for 2025

COMMERCIAL fishermen and sea users have voiced their anger over the latest military range activity schedule for Castlemartin Range in 2025, which will see significant restrictions on access to coastal waters.
The schedule, released by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), confirms that military exercises will take place across June, October, and November, with extended firing times drastically limiting the ability of commercial and recreational vessels to navigate the affected sea areas.
According to Huw Baker, Chair of the Freshwater East Boatmen & Fishermen’s Association, the closures will have a devastating financial impact on local inshore fishermen who rely on these waters for their livelihoods.
Mr Baker said: “None of the fishers have been contacted about these increased range activities or the sea area closures. There has been no consultation to discuss alternative access routes that would allow us to continue earning a living. The military has effectively blocked off access during prime fishing months, leaving fishermen struggling to stay financially afloat.”
Under the new schedule, the sea areas off Castlemartin will only be accessible during limited hours—between 3:00am and 8:00am, and again between 6:00pm and 8:00pm—making it near impossible for many commercial fishers to operate efficiently.
“This decision comes at a time when the cost of living is hitting everyone hard,” Mr Baker added. “With weather and tides already limiting access, these additional restrictions from Castlemartin and Manorbier firing ranges mean we’re left with barely any opportunities to work.”
Mr Baker is calling for an urgent meeting with range management to discuss the concerns of the fishing community and explore potential compromises that would allow local businesses to continue operating.
The Herald has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment.
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