Business
Job vacancies fall to four-year low as hiring slows and costs rise
JOB vacancies in the UK have fallen to their lowest level in nearly four years, indicating weakening demand for workers amid rising employment costs.
The number of vacancies dropped to 781,000 in the first quarter of the year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). At the same time, the number of people on company payrolls fell by 78,000 in March, with figures for February also revised down.
While average pay continued to grow—up 5.9% over the year—analysts warn that recent increases in National Insurance Contributions and the National Minimum Wage, introduced this month, could put pressure on future wage growth.
Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “The looming hike in employers’ taxes in April is very likely to have persuaded employers to hold back on hiring. Pausing recruitment is the simplest lever for businesses to pull when they want to slow things down. It’s far cheaper and less damaging than redundancies.”
Employment Minister Alison McGovern welcomed the continued rise in real wages, saying April’s changes would “boost people’s payslips and improve living standards.”
However, the UK employment rate for 16 to 64-year-olds remains at 75.1%, still below Labour’s target of 80%. The unemployment rate stood unchanged at 4.4%.
The ONS cautioned that its jobs data should be treated carefully due to low response rates to its labour market survey.
According to historical data, UK job vacancies had climbed steadily from 730,000 in early 2015 to a peak of 1.3 million in mid-2022. The latest figures mark the first time vacancies have fallen below pre-pandemic levels since mid-2021.
Despite strong wage growth, some economists believe the trend may not last. Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG UK, warned: “The short-term impact of the rise in labour costs, which came into effect in April, will likely put downward pressure on pay in the coming months.”
Recruitment firm Manpower said wider market challenges are also having an impact. “We’re seeing much broader scale cutbacks than we’d previously anticipated, as higher costs coincide with Trump-led tariffs and British Steel negotiations,” said Anna Spaul, market intelligence director at ManpowerGroup. “It’s all adding to a greater sense of uncertainty for businesses.”
The Bank of England now faces a dilemma ahead of its May interest rate-setting meeting. Wage growth could delay cuts to interest rates, which currently stand at 4.5%. However, global tariffs and slowing employment may push the Bank to consider action to stimulate the economy.
Business
New facilities at Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club agreed
A CALL by a Pembrokeshire shooting club for more disability-friendly facilities has been given the go-ahead by county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club, through agent Andrew Sutton Architecture, sought permission for an extension to existing target shooting club building at The Firing Range, Withybush Road, Haverfordwest to improve accessibility and internal facilities, together with associated landscaping works.
A supporting statement said: “The club’s own published history states it was founded in 1968, moved from the Drill Hall to the old wartime airfield butts at Withybush by the early 1970s, and had developed facilities over time, including the clubhouse by 1999. The established leisure/community use has existed on the site for a number of years and the proposal does not seek to intensify the core activity beyond that already authorised/established.”
It added: “The primary objective of the scheme is to improve inclusive access to the club’s facilities for disabled users and those with reduced mobility. The internal arrangement will provide adequate entrance and lobby space, clear accessible routes and appropriately designed sanitary accommodation, including an accessible wetroom/shower and separate WC.”
It also said accessible parking and surfacing designed to provide a firm, even, slip-resistant route from parking to the principal entrance.
It added: “The Equality Act 2010 places duties on service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that people with additional access needs are not placed at a substantial disadvantage.
“The proposal is therefore a positive enhancement to a community/leisure facility and supports wider policy objectives for inclusive environments.”
It went on to say: “The club operates within a highly controlled environment, and the proposed works will maintain and enhance safety and security measures.”
The application was conditionally approved by planners.
Business
St Davids GP surgery plans lodged with national park
PLANS to convert a former GP surgery in Pembrokeshire’s only city to a home and holiday let have been lodged with the national park.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Alice and Danjal Joensen, through agent Oochitecture, seek permission for a change of use of the ground floor of the former GP surgery, Eryl Mor, 36, New Street, St Davids, merging with the existing first-floor apartment to create a larger single dwelling house, along with the creation of an attached short-term holiday let.
The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured.

A supporting statement says, prior to being a GP surgery, the two storey element was a single dwelling house.
It adds: “The house would consist of an open plan kitchen-living space to the ground floor, along with a study, lounge and utility room. The first floor includes four double bedrooms with ensuite and main bathroom.
“The new unit of accommodation would form a holiday-let with two double bedrooms, shower room, and an open plan kitchen-living space.
“The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured, therefore the proposed change of use will provide a viable long-term future use for the property.”
It says minimal external alterations are proposed to the property with existing entrances utilised for both the main house and holiday-let, adding: “The existing concrete ramp to the front elevation will be retained with proposed works including extending the upper level and steps to provide a connection to the front door, allowing for accessible entrance to the property.
“There will be no changes to vehicular or pedestrian access, with the site continuing to be accessed via the existing entrance from New Street. Parking will be provided for the main house and holiday-let on the existing tarmac driveway off New Street.”
The application will be considered by Park planners at a later date.
Business
Cardigan bakery named among best in UK
A CARDIGAN bakehouse has been named among the best bakeries in the UK as interest in “bakery tourism” continues to rise.
Bara Menyn, a small family-run bakehouse tucked away in a side street in Cardigan, has been highlighted by travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk as one of the bakeries worth making a trip for.
The name Bara Menyn means “bread and butter” in Welsh, and the bakery has built a reputation for imaginative bakes, pizzas and seasonal produce.

Laura Kerslake, regional expert for Wales, said: “Bara Menyn is how you say ‘bread and butter’ in Welsh and the name of the small family bakehouse that is hidden down a side street in Cardigan, West Wales.
“It’s open three days a week so that the owners can fit the bakehouse around family life and their careers as artists.
“The family’s artistic flair can be seen in all the imaginative fillings and toppings on the bakes and pizzas served, which are also made using local, seasonal produce.”
The listing comes as the UK sees growing interest in independent bakeries, with spending on bakery goods reported to have risen by six per cent from 2025 to 2026.
Research also suggests that many people are now willing to travel for regional food experiences, from traditional cakes to artisan bread and pastries.
Two other Welsh bakeries were also highlighted: Little Valley Bakery, which has sites in Mumbles and Brynmill, and was recently named in the Good Food Guide’s 50 Best Bakeries 2026; and another Welsh entry included in the travel company’s wider list.
For Cardigan, the recognition adds to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for independent food, drink and creative businesses.
-
News1 day agoWatchdog criticises health board over £10m GP contract checks
-
Crime4 days agoFarm owner in court after 26 dogs removed over welfare concerns
-
News3 days agoPaul Davies meets Openreach Cymru at the Senedd to discuss Full Fibre rollout
-
Crime4 days agoTree surgeon sentenced for failing to provide breath test
-
Crime4 days agoPembrokeshire teenager admits driving almost four times over drug-drive limit
-
News4 days agoMilford man admits handling stolen goods from three local properties
-
Crime6 days agoBuilder jailed for £82,000 fraud affecting 18 victims
-
Crime4 days agoPembroke Dock drink-driver arrested on Cleddau Bridge





