News
Latest Preseli jobs figures show ‘boost for younger generation, says Stephen Crabb MP
FIGURES published yesterday by the Office for National Statistics show that across the UK unemployment continues to fall, as more people seek employment opportunities, and job vacancies remain at record levels.
In Preseli Pembrokeshire, compared to a year ago, there are now 210 less people aged 18-24 claiming unemployment-related benefits, as young people enter the workforce and take advantage of the job opportunities created by local businesses. With 4% of the workforce in Preseli claiming unemployment related benefits, local unemployment overall remains lower than the national average of 4.6%.
Local MP Stephen Crabb meets with different local businesses most weeks to discuss key challenges for the Pembrokeshire economy. Availability of staff continues to be a major issue for many employers.
Last week he met with Ron Mounsey who is looking to expand his McDonalds restaurant franchises in Pembrokeshire. At the Haverfordwest restaurant he was able to meet new and long-serving staff and the training and apprenticeship schemes available through McDonalds.
Commenting on the latest jobs figures, Stephen Crabb added:
“Given how disruptive the pandemic was to young people’s education and employment, I am very pleased that we are now seeing significant drops in the number of 18-24 year olds who are out of work across the County. In fact, with so many businesses trying to hire new staff right now, it is a good time for young people to get their foot in the door with their first job. There is a lot of work and training opportunities out there.”
“The local figures mirror the healthy UK-wide figures, and with the summer staycation boom looming, now is an excellent time for individuals to seek out local tourism and hospitality related work.”
Photo caption: Stephen Crabb MP at the Haverfordwest McDonalds with Ron Mounsey and Paul Hayes, Regional Communications Wales and SW.
News
Elderly woman to face judge for animal neglect charges
AN 80-year-old woman is to be brought before a district judge charged with causing unnecessary suffering to 11 donkeys and a pony.
Elizabeth Palmer is accused of failing to provide the animals with adequate and appropriate farrier care at The Retreat, Llethr Uchaf, Crymych, between September 5, 2023, and March 21, 2024. She is further charged with failing to ensure that the animals were kept in a suitable environment with an appropriate diet, adequate dental care, healthy coats, and protection from pain and injury.
Palmer was scheduled to appear before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday; however, solicitor Kevin Withey, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, informed the court that she had recently been involved in a road traffic collision and suffered a fractured sternum. The matter was subsequently adjourned for two weeks.
Health
Over 1500 patients in Wales blocked from leaving hospital
THE First Minister Eluned Morgan has been pressured on her government’s failure to clear hospital beds in Wales, leading to delays for people seeking urgent medical care.
According to a report from BBC Wales, there are currently 1,600 patients across Wales waiting to be discharged from hospital compared to England where there are currently 12,000.
However, when comparing population sizes, it’s revealed that Wales is performing worse than its closest neighbour, with 0.05% of the population of Wales stuck in hospital beds compared to 0.02% in England.
The Welsh Labour government have been criticised for their failure to clear out backlogs in the system,
The Liberal Democrats have now called on the Welsh Government to provide urgent social care funding to local authorities to help alleviate pressures on the NHS in Wales.
Speaking in the Siambr on Tuesday, The Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS described how over twenty years of Welsh Labour government in Wales had let to a “desperate situation in our NHS, with services nearing breaking point.
Welsh Labours refusal to change their approach and fix a system clogged up by mismanagement is directly responsible for the current situation faced by thousands of patients.
Delays in discharging patients from hospitals are placing huge pressures on both staff and those awaiting care, but there is a way out of this mess and the answer lies in social care.
I have been told by numerous professionals working in healthcare that the first step towards fixing our NHS is made by providing local authorities with the funding to fix social care services within their respected areas.
By dedicating adequate investment into our social care services, we can make life easier for patients discharged from hospital while also lifting the strain on health services throughout Wales.”
News
Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory
MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.
The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.
A Day of Victories
The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.
- Goal Scorer: Lola P
- Players’ Player: Annabelle G
- Coaches’ Player: Lilly J
In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.
- Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
- Players’ Player: Olivia D
- Coaches’ Player: Ruby D
After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.
- Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
- Players’ Player: Annabelle G
- Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B
In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.
- Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
- Players’ Player: Annabelle G
- Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M
Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”
Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.
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