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Almost half of Welsh workers seek more flexibility at work

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A RECENT survey commissioned by Amazon has shed light on the growing demand for flexible working options among Welsh workers. The study found that nearly half (45%) of employees in Wales desire more flexibility in their work arrangements. Additionally, almost one in four (23%) parents with children under 18 would consider term-time-only working to better balance their professional and personal lives.

Conducted by YouGov, the survey highlighted that over one-third (38%) of workers in Wales currently have no option for flexible working. This lack of flexibility is a significant concern, especially for working parents looking to manage childcare during school holidays.

The findings come as Amazon expands its innovative term-time working option, introduced to support employees with school-age children. This option guarantees time off during summer, Christmas, and Easter holidays, offering a practical solution for parents, grandparents, and guardians.

David Brownhill, a single father from Swansea and an Amazon employee, shared his positive experience with the term-time contract. “This contract takes so much pressure off, particularly as a single parent. I’m trying to do the best I can for my kids, and this flexibility gives me certainty,” he said. Brownhill emphasised how the flexible arrangement allows him to prioritise his family and create lasting memories.

The survey further revealed that flexible working is a priority for 72% of working parents in Wales when considering new job opportunities. The top perceived benefits include a better work-life balance (58%) and reduced commuting time (54%).

In response to employee feedback, Amazon has introduced additional flexible working options, such as the Amazon Anytime contract. This part-time contract allows employees to choose shifts that fit their schedules, whether they are day or night, weekday or weekend.

John Boumphrey, Amazon’s UK Country Manager, stated, “These findings clearly demonstrate the huge importance of workplace flexibility and why it matters so much to employees in Wales and across the UK. We’re delighted to offer these ground-breaking contracts to help provide employees and their families with more flexible options.”

Amazon’s commitment to its employees extends beyond flexible working arrangements. The company’s Career Choice programme pre-pays up to 95% of costs for nationally accredited courses, up to £8,000 over four years, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Employees also benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment.

Recognised as a ‘Top Employer UK 2024’ by the Top Employer Institute, Amazon continues to demonstrate its dedication to employee development and well-being. The company has also been ranked first among the top 50 employers of veterans in the UK by the GREAT British Employers of Veterans.

For further information, please contact PR Executive Blaise Carty at [email protected] or on 01452 348211.

ENDS

Editor’s Notes:

Amazon offers a variety of full-time and part-time contracts, including a four-day working week for fulfilment centre employees. The company’s comprehensive benefits package includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, an employee discount, and a company pension plan. For more details, visit www.amazon.co.uk.

Business

Derelict Cilgerran house to be transformed into cafe

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PLANS by a village shop owner to convert a house “in a state of disrepair” to a café to “improve the variety of community facilities” locally have been given the go-ahead.

Mrs Morris, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, sought permission from Pembrokeshire County Council to convert The Old Post House, High Street, Cilgerran, currently a four-bed dwelling, to a ground floor café, along with a first-floor flat.

The application received five letters of support, saying it would provide local jobs, support the community, promote Welsh and local food, and provide a local community hub, with three letters of objection, raising concerns about parking and traffic, and potential odours from the premises.

A supporting statement, through the agent, said: “The proposed site is currently a dwellinghouse, in current need of modernisations and renovations throughout. The site is under the same ownership as the neighbouring village stores Siop Y Pentre,” saying the proposal “can be read as an extension to the existing Siop Y Pentre”.

“Siop Y Pentre is a thriving local community village shop which acts as a village hub. The shop provides local residents with day-to-day necessities, with a focus on local, sustainable and minimal waste products,” the statement says, adding the dwelling it seeks to convert “is in disrepair and in need of internal works to make suitable for modern living”.

It went on to say: “The proposed café seeks to retain its focus on local and seasonal produce with minimal waste and would provide a welcomed opportunity for socialising, especially during the daytime. The café will also seek to employ local staff retaining a community feel throughout. As such, the principle of the café adjacent to the existing village store is considered acceptable. The site seeks to encourage a sustainable community, with development of an appropriate scale and nature.

“Further to this, the location of the development is within the settlement boundary and seeks to fulfil a need for day-time socialising environments currently lacking within Cilgerran.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Business

52 homes to be built in Roch as scheme gets final sign-off

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THE FINAL stage of approval for a near-£10m Pembrokeshire residential development of 52 homes has been given the go-ahead.

Back in April, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee backed an application by Wakefield Pembrokeshire Ltd for the development, which includes four one-bed affordable housing units, on land near Pilgrims Way, Roch.

18 objections to the scheme were received, raising concerns including an “inadequate” affordable housing level, it being a high density development for a rural area, a loss of green space, the size of some of the homes, and pressures on existing services and facilities, and fears it may lead to an increase in second homes.

Nolton & Roch Community Land Trust (N&RCLT) has raised its concerns about a lack of affordable homes at the development, calling for a 20 per cent affordable homes element, as recommended by policy.

An officer report for members, recommending conditional approval, said: “It is apparent that the proposed development is not fully policy compliant, insofar as it cannot deliver the indicative 20 per cent affordable housing sought [by policy].

“However, a substantial positive social impact will arise through the provision of housing, including four one-bed affordable housing units, in meeting identified needs for both market and affordable housing.

“Financial obligations identified to mitigate adverse impacts arising from the proposed development cannot be met in full. However, [policy] acknowledges that in such circumstances contributions may be prioritised on the basis of the individual circumstances of each case.”

Speaking at the meeting, agent Gethin Beynon said the project had a “significant economic value” of around £10m, and the local applicant had “a sense of stewardship to the local community,” offering affordable housing and community infrastructure towards highways and education.

Approval was delegated to the council’s head of planning to approve the application, subject to the completion of a Section 106 planning obligation, making community financial contributions.

The Section 106 agreement was recently agreed, with the application now formally approved.

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