News

Plaid criticise government on skills

Published

10 years ago

August 1, 2014

PLAID CYMRU have criticised the Welsh Government’s record on skills development. From a discussion held in the Senedd, Plaid have highlighted three key areas they believe are of concern- The massive cuts in the post-19 skills budget by the Welsh Government; Questions about how rural, small and medium sized businesses are included in the future and the role of the Welsh language. “Plaid Cymru have already outlined their vision on skills that they say will ensure that everyone in Wales remains in skills training until they are 19 years old. Shadow Education and Skills Minister Simon Thomas said: “Plaid Cymru welcomes, finally, the Welsh Government trying to get to grips with the skills gap that exists between Wales and other nations in the UK, Europe and beyond as well as high unemployment. We need to remember, however, that those who are in post- 19 education have been through fifteen years of education under the Labour Welsh Government and in today’s announcement the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology must concede his Government’s shortcoming. The Welsh Government has delivered massive cuts to the post- 19 skills budget, and is now looking to businesses to make up the funding shortfall. He continued by adding: “The Party of Wales’ has previously called on the Government to work more closely with the private sector as it identifies the skills it needs, and I’m glad to see the Welsh Government attempt to do this. However, the Minister needs to tell us how he will ensure that this is rolled out consistently across Wales and how he will ensure that rural businesses and SMEs are not excluded. The Welsh Government has itself acknowledged the crucial role of Welsh language skills to the economy, so it’s disappointing that there is no provision made for it in today’s announcement, particularly after the Welsh Government slashed the funding for teaching Welsh to adults. Plaid Cymru has outlined our vision to ensure that everyone in Wales remains in skills training of some form until they are 19 years old. We want everyone in Wales to be able to develop the skills they need to excel in the workplace, and to help our businesses excel in the global market. Responding to these criticisms, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates, said: “These comments are poorly-informed, hastily put together and show a fundamental lack of understanding of the skills system in Wales. Let’s be clear, t h e new Plan has nothing to do with budget cuts, but it has everything to do with ensuring we continue to raise standards at every stage of learning from early years to post-19. In developing the new Plan, we have worked extensively with bodies such as the FSB and have listened to the views of employers of all sizes. We need a sustainable and responsible funding system for skills and our new 10 year plan sets out how we will achieve this. Evidence shows that many employers across Wales are already making a substantial investment in skills and the Plan is all about ensuring that we encourage more of our employers to do the same. We are already working with regional partnerships across Wales to look at specific skills needs. This includes reviewing support for developing Welsh language skills for use in the workplace, building on the best practice already in place across Wales.

Business

Welsh firms expect brighter profits in 2025

Published

5 hours ago

December 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MORE than three-quarters (79%) of Welsh businesses expect greater profitability in 2025, a significant increase from 69% recorded in December 2023, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer.

The survey also revealed that 73% of firms anticipate a rise in turnover next year. Of those, nearly a third (32%) predict revenue growth of between six and 10%, while over a quarter (26%) expect even higher gains.

Profitability remains the top priority for 55% of businesses, followed closely by staff upskilling (43%) and productivity improvements (33%). Additionally, 17% of firms aim to enhance their technology, including automation and AI, while 18% are focused on improving environmental sustainability.

To achieve these goals, more than a third (35%) of Welsh businesses plan to invest in staff training, with 29% allocating resources towards research and development (R&D) of new products or services.

The Lloyds Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and has been running since 2002, provides valuable insights into regional and national economic trends.

Sam Noble, Regional Director for Wales at Lloyds, said: “Welsh businesses are looking ahead to the new year with ambitious plans. While uncertainties remain, these strategies will help them achieve growth and strengthen their resilience against potential challenges. As they move forward, we’ll continue to stand by them with our support.”

Business

Three daily sailings from Pembroke to Rosslare from January 7

Published

13 hours ago

December 29, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has confirmed it will facilitate a third daily ferry sailing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal to Rosslare on a temporary basis from 7th January 2025. Irish Ferries vessel the ‘Isle of Innisfree’ will call at the Port in addition to the twice-daily scheduled call of the ‘James Joyce’.

Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer, said: “Since the temporary closure of Holyhead Port, the Port of Milford Haven has been working in close collaboration with the Department for Transport, Welsh Government and Irish Ferries to identify ways in which it can support the national effort to move freight and passengers between Britain and Ireland.

“As the UK’s largest energy port responsible for the facilitation of around 20% of the UK’s energy needs, we have had to look carefully at how we can support additional ferry traffic without impacting vital UK energy supplies.

“After careful analysis we have identified that we can accommodate an additional daily ferry sailing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal on a temporary basis. This third sailing of Irish Ferries vessel ‘Isle of Innisfree’ will be in addition to the usual twice-daily sailing of the ‘James Joyce’. However, whilst the James Joyce will be departing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal at its usual timetabled slots of 02:45 and 14:45, the Isle of Innisfree departure time will be dependent on other traffic movements, although we will be aiming for a departure time of 0600 where possible.

“Thank you to all our customers for their patience and understanding whilst we have taken time to identify ways to support all traffic movements on the Milford Haven Waterway. Finally, thank you to the community of Pembroke Dock who have endured additional traffic through the town throughout this period.”

Crime

Haverfordwest man accused of racially aggravated harassment

Published

14 hours ago

December 29, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been accused of racially aggravated harassment against a Haverfordwest town councillor.

Lee Woodmass, 48, of Hywel Road, Haverfordwest, is alleged to have harassed Councillor Randell Turner-Thomas, who represents the Castle ward, during an incident in the town centre on August 6 last year.

Woodmass is accused of intentionally causing alarm or distress to Cllr Turner-Thomas during an altercation.

Woodmass previously appeared before a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he denied the charge. He elected a Crown Court trial, and proceedings commenced on November 29.

The defendant later pleaded guilty to the offence on a basis, but this was not accepted by the prosecution.

A Newton Hearing will take place at Swansea Crown Court on January 2 to determine the facts of the case.