Business

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

Published

5 years ago

June 4, 2021

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

New showroom for car dealership approved by county planners

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a new showroom for a Pembrokeshire car dealership which has recently acquired a new Isuzu vehicle franchise, have been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Gareth Hughes Motors of 25 Burton Road, Sardis, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought permission to replace a temporary canopy with fixed permanent mini-showroom.

A supporting statement said: “Gareth Hughes Motors is a family run enterprise, established in 1982. In order for the business to respond to the latest technological advancements, especially those related to the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles, additional space and different resources will be required.

“Approval of this application will assist in the delivery of these required resources, associated staff training and recruitment for the servicing of electric vehicles will also lead to the retention and provision of skilled employment.”

It says the extension will be designed to allow sufficient space to display Isuzu vehicles, an additional motor franchise recently acquired by the dealership, with no changes proposed to the existing access from the C3007 as the mini-showroom would take place to the rear of the site and replace an existing canopy structure.

It added: “The environmental impacts from the proposal are minimal as the replacement structure takes place on a concreted/bitumac surface which is currently used for the parking of cars. In addition, the design and use of materials complements that of the current showroom and repair shop and by the addition of a bird and bat box on the south-east of the proposed extension.

“The proposed new mini-showroom will accommodate a maximum of two vehicles and would take place to the rear/side of the site and would be constructed in materials which complement those of the existing showroom and service bays.

“Although Gareth Hughes Motors is located within a group of residential properties it is considered that there will be no significant negative impacts on those neighbouring properties because of their distance from the application site, the orientation of the buildings.

“The securing of an additional franchise at this Sardis site will both help secure the future of the existing staff and create opportunities for additional employment in the motor trade.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

Business

The Cheesecake Guy Ltd plans withdrawn following community council objections

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for what could have been the third store in the country for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd at Saundersfoot’s Coal Building interpretation centre have been withdrawn.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd sought a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.

On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.

“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”

While no supporting statement was published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application said the scheme, if approved, would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.

Of the scheme itself it said it would involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.

If approved, the Saundersfoot site would have been the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.

For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”

Since the application was submitted, Saundersfoot Community Council objected “on the basis that the harbour is diluting the original intention of this area, which was designed to be an educational section of the development”.

The application is now, as of June 19, marked as withdrawn.

Business

Amended Fishguard children’s home scheme approved

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN AMENDED scheme for a children’s care home on the edge of Fishguard has been approved after a previous call was refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Martin Leahy of Ty Caredig Ltd sought a certificate of lawfulness permission for the use of a dwellinghouse to a residential care home for up to two children at Bryn Delyn, Y Fraich, Fishguard.

Last November, a similar call to allow Bryn Delyn to be used as a children’s home, which raised fears from local objectors the scheme was being ‘rubber stamped’ by the council, was refused.

In that application to the council, Cardiff-based Ty Caredig Ltd sought permission for a Certificate of Lawfulness on the basis the use was not materially different from the property’s existing lawful use.

Residents had accused the council of “pushing through a highly controversial children’s home application behind closed doors”.

A supporting statement for that scheme, with many redacted parts, said the four-bed property had a lawful use as a dwelling house; saying the use as a care home did not require planning permission through a change of use.

However, planners said the use of the dwelling as a care home “would represent a material change of use requiring the benefit of planning permission”.

Since then, amendment to the scheme, for a lawful change of use was submitted, a supporting statement saying Ty Caredig Ltd operates homes throughout Wales that provide specialist care for children, the latest scheme “seeks formal confirmation that the proposed use of Bryn Delyn as a children’s care home for up to two children (plus care staff) would not require planning permission”.

Fishguard Town Council objected, on the grounds of highway safety and parking issues.

It also raised points of “apparent discrepancies between the planning application and the information available on the website,” but stressed it did support provision of suitable accommodation for vulnerable young people and children “with the correct infrastructure in place”.

Local county councillor Cllr Par Davies has said the scheme has her “full support,” as did the certificate call, adding: “Rumours abound regarding this application with objections concerning the usage of the property as a care home for young people. The application states that only two young people would be cared for in the property.

“This type of property is needed as we often talk as councillors for the need for Pembrokeshire children in care to remain in Pembrokeshire instead of the alternative of moving them to other areas in the country and this application fulfils that need.”

The application was approved by planners, the approval stating “Based on the information submitted and on the balance of probability it is considered that the use of the property as a residential care home for up to two children would not result in a material change of use from the lawful use of the property as a dwellinghouse and as a result a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed use should be granted.”