A QUARTER of Welsh workers are struggling to pay their bills, while nearly 40% say their salaries do not cover their financial goals, such as buying a home or saving for retirement, new research has found.

The study, conducted by recruitment firm Reed, also revealed that 30% of employees in Wales are unhappy with their pay. Of those, 63% said their wages had not kept up with the cost of living, while 46% blamed low pay within their industry.

Nearly 40% of workers reported working overtime, putting in an average of 6.2 extra hours per week. Among them, 44% said they had no choice due to excessive workloads, while 25% struggled to ‘switch off’ from work.

PAY DISPARITY

Despite working beyond their contracted hours, many employees are not being compensated. Only 21% said they were paid for overtime, while another 21% were able to accrue extra hours. Alarmingly, 44% reported receiving no compensation at all.

Becky Hole, Regional Director at Reed, said: “With 28% of Wales’ population classed as economically inactive, the labour market is tight. It may well be that those who are working feel they need to pick up the slack or work extra hours to compensate for staff shortages.

“It’s clear that Wales has a hardworking population, but the research highlights that many do not feel properly compensated. The extra unpaid hours aren’t alleviating financial worries and could contribute to stress or burnout.”

The findings are part of Reed’s annual salary guide research, which analysed over 21 million job adverts and surveyed 5,000 workers across the UK. The full sector-specific salary guides are available on Reed’s website.

PARADE BRINGS CELEBRATION TO PEMBROKE CASTLE

THE SOUND of bells, whistles, and cheers filled the air in Pembroke as the town marked St David’s Day with its inaugural parade on Saturday (March 1). Organised by Pembroke Town Team and Gwenno Dafydd, the event, titled “Ring Out the Bells for St David,” brought together residents and visitors to celebrate Welsh heritage in a lively and colourful procession.

The parade began at 11:15am, with participants gathering at the North Quay outside the Corn Store. At 11:30am, the procession made its way to Pembroke Castle, creating a vibrant atmosphere with banners, flags, and the sound of bells ringing in honour of Wales’ patron saint. The enthusiasm of the crowd was palpable as families, schoolchildren, and local groups joined in, waving Welsh flags and proudly wearing national colours.

Upon arrival at the castle at midday, the bells rang out to mark the occasion, followed by a range of Welsh-themed entertainment. Traditional music, folk dancing, and performances celebrating Welsh culture kept the spirit of the event alive, reinforcing the importance of St David’s Day in the local community.

Speaking about the success of the parade, an organiser said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate our heritage. The energy and pride on display today truly reflected the spirit of St David’s Day.”

Locals praised the event as a welcome addition to Pembroke’s calendar, with many hoping it will become an annual tradition.

Images by Martin Cavaney

THE FIRST MINISTER GIVES HER ST DAVIDS DAY MESSAGE

“Today people across Wales and across the world come together and celebrate all things Wales and Welshness – Cymru a Chymreictod.

On our national day we like to follow St David and what he did and do the little things – gwneud y pethau bychain.

Because lots of little things soon add up.

This sense of taking care of others is part of our national identity, as is our love of singing and sports.

We are right to be proud of our close-knit communities and strong sense of social justice and fairness.

Our tolerance and our progressive values are also key to us.

Wales is also home to innovators and creators, making it a place where brilliant ideas can thrive.

Our rich history, vibrant culture and language is as unique as our mountains, coastlines and thriving cities.

I promise that we will continue our work to create a stronger, fairer and a greener Wales.

A place where everyone is valued, and nobody is left behind.

And where our young people can achieve their dreams and their potential.

These are aims rooted in the lessons taught by Dewi Sant himself.

So, wherever you are celebrating St David’s Day this year, help us to turn the world a little more Welsh and do a little thing to brighten someone else’s day up.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus to you all – mwynhewch!”