News

Welsh unemployment remains highest in UK for eighth consecutive month

Published

10 months ago

May 13, 2025

Calls for reform as business closures outpace new start-ups

WALES continues to record the highest unemployment rate in the UK, according to the latest labour market figures published for March 2025. The unemployment rate rose from 4.8% in February to 5.2%, marking the eighth consecutive month that Wales has topped the UK unemployment rankings.

The figures also show that Wales has the lowest employment rate of any UK nation, raising concerns about the resilience of the Welsh economy amid ongoing inflationary pressures and a sluggish post-pandemic recovery.

Business formation remains a challenge, with new start-ups continuing to be outnumbered by business closures. Analysts have pointed to factors such as high business rates, uncertainty in the tourism sector, and limited access to investment as contributing to the economic stagnation.

In response, the Welsh Conservatives have renewed calls for economic reform, including major changes to the business rates system.

Samuel Kurtz MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy, said: “Under Labour, our economy is failing: unemployment is rising, and Wales remains the least competitive part of the UK. Business closures continue to outnumber new start-ups, and we are burdened with the highest business rates in Britain.
Welsh Conservatives want to build a Wales that is open for business. We would overhaul business rates, slashing them for town centres and abolishing them entirely for small businesses, and scrap Labour’s damaging tourism tax to stop penalising a vital sector of our economy.”

However, Welsh Government ministers argue that economic challenges are being felt across the UK and that Wales is making targeted investments in growth sectors. A spokesperson said:
“We are investing in skills, infrastructure and green energy to ensure a more sustainable and competitive Welsh economy. While the figures are disappointing, they reflect wider UK and global economic headwinds. We continue to support businesses through a range of funding schemes and remain committed to creating long-term employment opportunities.”

Independent economists suggest that while structural challenges remain, Wales could benefit from renewable energy development, tech start-ups, and tourism—if supported by tailored policy reforms and investment incentives.

Pictured above:

Samuel Kurtz MS: Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

27 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.