TENBY’S IMPERIAL HOTEL is holding a recruitment open day tomorrow (Mar 19) as it looks to fill 20 roles ahead of a major refurbishment.

The event will take place at the hotel on The Paragon from 11:00am to 4:00pm, with positions available across various departments, including hospitality, kitchen, and housekeeping.

The hotel, now under the ownership of The Crest Hotel Group, is undergoing a transformation into a luxurious, family-friendly destination while maintaining its historic charm. The refurbishment will include a state-of-the-art kitchen, dog-friendly facilities, and panoramic views of South Beach and the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Liz Heneghan, Group Director of People & Culture at Crest Hotels Group, said: “We’re not just offering jobs; we’re investing in our community. These 20 positions represent our commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities right here in Tenby. We want to build a team of passionate individuals who are ready to contribute to the Imperial’s exciting future and deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

Job roles available

The hotel is seeking to recruit:

• Culinary roles: Head Chef, Sous Chef, and Chef de Partie
• Hospitality staff: Guest Service Assistants (Front of House and Food & Beverage)
• Management: Food & Beverage Manager
• Housekeeping: Housekeeping Assistants

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work in a newly refurbished setting with high-quality ingredients and a dynamic team, contributing to the revitalisation of one of Tenby’s landmark hotels.

How to apply

Those interested can attend the recruitment open day tomorrow or apply via Indeed and Caterer. Applications can also be submitted by emailing recruitment@cresthotelsgroup.com.

CANOLFAN ELFED Inclusion Centre in Carmarthen recently welcomed Samuel Kurtz Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire for a visit to showcase the incredible work being done to support children with additional learning needs.

During the visit, Mr Kurtz met with staff, students, and members of the Rotary Club District 1150 who are working in partnership with the centre to develop their vision for an inclusive outdoor play area.

The centre, which provides specialist support for children with a wide range of additional needs from the three counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, is seeking funding of £275,000 from the community to transform its outdoor space into a fully accessible and stimulating environment over a three-year project plan. The planned development aims to create a safe and engaging area that will promote physical activity, social interaction, and sensory play for all students.

Speaking after the visit, Samuel Kurtz MS praised the dedication of the staff and the positive impact of the centre on the children and their families. “It was a privilege to visit Canolfan Elfed and see first-hand the incredible work being done to support young people with additional learning needs. An inclusive outdoor play area would be a fantastic asset for the school, providing children with the opportunity to develop key skills in a fun and supportive environment.

He added, I fully support their efforts to secure the necessary funding and will do what I can to help. For anyone in a position to consider helping – even by contributing a small amount to this project, it means being part of something very special that will make a long-lasting impact on the children who attend the centre for generations to come.” 

During the visit, Canolfan Elfed’s leadership team Mrs Thomas, and Mr Cooke, School Business Manager at Queen Elizabeth High School where the centre is located, highlighted the importance of the project, emphasising how outdoor play is essential for children’s physical and mental wellbeing. They are now appealing for financial support from local businesses and community fundraising initiatives to bring their vision to life.

Mary Adams, Immediate Past District Governor 1150 Rotary Southern Wales, who attended the meeting said, “ I am delighted that Samuel has visited to see the pressing need for a new outdoor space for the students. The Rotary Club is pleased to be working in partnership on this project as it aligns with our core values of inclusivity, equality and excellence in education and we hope to be able to help with match funding donations .”

Mrs Thomas, Canolfan Elfed’s Inclusion Manager said, “We are incredibly grateful to Samuel Kurtz MS for taking the time to visit us and listen to our plans. An inclusive outdoor play area would make a real difference to our pupils, ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, can enjoy outdoor play in a meaningful way. As we are located within the school, we are not able to access any specialist funding schemes combined with constraints on local authority education budgets mean we have to look to the community to support us. We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Rotary Club on our fundraising project Ymlaen.

The school is encouraging anyone who wishes to support their fundraising efforts to get in touch. For more information or to contribute, please visit their JustGiving page Canolfan Elfed Sensory Play Area – or visit www.qehs.carms.sch.uk/ymlaen/.

New reforms could hit disability claimants hardest

THE UK GOVERNMENT has unveiled a major reform of the welfare system, aiming to save £5bn by 2030 through stricter eligibility rules for benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC). With 19.5% of households in Pembrokeshire claiming Universal Credit, these changes could have a significant impact locally, particularly for disabled residents.

However, early analysis suggests PIP claimants will be hardest hit. While Universal Credit recipients will see some structural changes, including the scrapping of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) in 2028 and a permanent above-inflation rise, PIP recipients face much tougher eligibility criteria, potentially disqualifying around a million people nationwide.

Local impact on Pembrokeshire

With 26% of its population aged over 65—one of the highest proportions in Wales—and above-average disability rates, Pembrokeshire could be disproportionately affected. Many residents rely on PIP to supplement low wages or provide financial support when work is not an option.

Pembrokeshire’s economy is heavily dependent on seasonal work, tourism, and public services, with 14% of workers self-employed—many in physically demanding jobs. Health and disability benefits play a crucial role for those unable to work year-round.

Key changes announced

Universal Credit (UC)

• Above-inflation increase – Payments will rise permanently to £775 per month by 2030.
• Work Capability Assessment scrapped (2028) – Future assessments for extra support will be through PIP instead.
• Right to Try – Claimants will be encouraged to return to work without immediately losing benefits.
• Under-22s lose incapacity top-up – Young people will no longer qualify for an additional health-related payment, a move designed to deter school leavers from going straight onto benefits.

Impact: Universal Credit claimants face mixed consequences. The removal of WCA could reduce stress for those with long-term conditions, and higher payments may help some households. However, the removal of incapacity top-ups could create financial hardship for young disabled claimants.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

• Stricter eligibility rules – Claimants must score at least four points in one category to qualify for PIP’s daily living element.
• Up to one million people could lose support – Early estimates suggest a significant number may no longer qualify.
• No means-testing (yet), but tougher assessments – Changes may disproportionately affect those with mental health conditions and fluctuating illnesses.

Impact: Many disabled residents in Pembrokeshire may struggle to qualify for PIP, which in turn affects their Universal Credit top-ups. Those with mental health conditions, long COVID, or conditions such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia may face difficulties meeting the new criteria.

What does this mean for Pembrokeshire?

• Higher risk for disabled claimants – With an aging population and a significant number of residents on disability benefits, many may lose essential support.
• Rural and seasonal work challenges – Physically demanding jobs in tourism, construction, and agriculture mean PIP is crucial for those unable to work due to health conditions.
• Potential rise in hardship – Child poverty in Pembrokeshire is already one of the highest in Wales (24.7%). If PIP claimants lose financial support, demand for food banks and social services could increase.

Local perspective

Pembrokeshire has a lower-than-average employment rate (73.8%) and high self-employment (14%), meaning many workers lack stable income or sick pay. The county also faces social care pressures, with 641 adults receiving domiciliary care. If PIP eligibility tightens, many claimants could lose both disability payments and their health-related UC top-ups, leaving some without financial support entirely.

Responding to the Government’s Green Paper on Welfare reforms, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said: “You don’t get more people into work by slashing support for disabled people who need it.

“If we are to reduce the welfare bill, we need to focus on prevention and get serious about fixing health and social care in Wales, alongside improving mental health treatment provisions.

“Far too many people in Wales are left deteriorating on extreme waiting lists, unable to work and often become sicker while they wait for treatment.

“We are also concerned that the Chancellor’s budget is failing to create new jobs for people to join, with the national insurance rise contributing to job losses and hiring freezes across Wales.

“This is in addition to the fact that in many former industrial parts of Wales, jobs that were lost have never been replaced which is why we need a real economic strategy to breathe new life into these communities.”

What happens next?

The government has launched a Green Paper consultation on the reforms. However, with Labour facing internal criticism over the changes, further amendments could still be made before they take full effect.

Have your say

The Herald wants to hear from Pembrokeshire residents:

• Are you worried about losing your benefits?
• Do you think the “Right to Try” scheme will help you get back into work?
• How will these reforms impact your household?

Email The Herald with your views.

Final verdict

Pembrokeshire at higher risk – With a high disability rate, older population, and reliance on seasonal work, the county may see a rise in financial hardship due to these reforms.r say

Universal Credit claimants – Some may benefit from higher payments and no longer facing Work Capability Assessments, but young disabled people will be hit hardest.

PIP claimants – The biggest losers. Many may lose their entire benefit due to stricter scoring rules, which in turn affects their UC top-ups.

We want to hear from Pembrokeshire residents affected by these changes. Are you worried about losing your benefits? Will the new support help you get back into work? Email The Herald with your views.