News

Pembrokeshire ranks among worst in Wales for employment rates

Published

11 months ago

July 25, 2025

New study reveals nearly one in three adults in the county are out of work

PEMBROKESHIRE has been named among the ten worst areas in Wales for employment, according to a new UK-wide study into economic conditions and business potential.

Business energy experts Utility Bidder analysed employment data across all local authorities in Wales — alongside other economic indicators such as transport links, qualifications, internet speeds, and business survival rates.

The results revealed Pembrokeshire’s employment rate stands at just 72%, placing it sixth-lowest in the country. That means almost three in ten working-age adults in the county are currently unemployed.

West Wales struggling

Pembrokeshire is joined in the bottom ten by nearby Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, and Ceredigion — suggesting a broader trend of employment challenges across southwest Wales.

Top 10 Welsh local authorities with lowest employment rates:

Rank	Local Authority	Employment Rate
1	Bridgend	67.3%
2	Rhondda Cynon Taf	67.4%
3	Powys	70.2%
4	Torfaen	71.6%
5	Neath Port Talbot	71.9%
6	Pembrokeshire	72.0%
7	Newport	72.0%
8	Swansea	72.3%
9	Cardiff	72.6%
10	Ceredigion	72.7%

Despite its scenic beauty and tourism economy, Pembrokeshire’s relatively low employment rate may raise concerns for policymakers and local business leaders.

Wider Welsh picture

The research found the average employment rate across Welsh authorities is 73.2%, compared with 74% in Scotland and 76.8% in England.

Wrexham (78.7%), Flintshire (78.6%), and Monmouthshire (78%) recorded the highest employment rates in Wales, suggesting stronger job markets in the north and southeast.

Other findings in the study include:

Ceredigion recorded the highest five-year business survival rate in Wales at 54.1%.
Monmouthshire had the highest percentage of residents with level 4 qualifications (33.1%).
Merthyr Tydfil had the fastest internet speeds at 540.2 Mbps.
Newport had the best-insulated business premises, with 60% receiving a positive EPC rating.

Small business, big impact

Chris Shaw, CEO of Utility Bidder, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the Welsh economy, making up 98% of all enterprises. We wanted to identify where these businesses are best placed to succeed.

“While some parts of Wales are thriving, our data shows others — including Pembrokeshire — face challenges around employment and economic resilience. Pembrokeshire’s 72% employment rate means nearly one-third of adults may be out of work, which has a knock-on effect on local enterprise.”

The full report, including interactive maps and rankings, can be viewed at:
www.utilitybidder.co.uk/blog/uk-business-hotspots

Education

Milford Haven School issues heatwave update as temperatures soar

Published

9 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL has thanked pupils and staff for the way they have supported one another during the current heatwave.

The school said cooperation and care across the school community had been greatly appreciated.

With tomorrow (Jun 25) forecast to be the hottest day of the current spell, pupils are being asked to come prepared by bringing plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and staying as protected from the sun as possible.

Pupils will also be permitted to wear their PE kit to help keep cool.

The school said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Business

Main Street Music to close retail shop as owner focuses on handmade guitars

Published

14 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire music shop is changing the way it operates, with Main Street Music confirming it will no longer trade as a retail shop from September 1.

The business said there will be an immediate 15% sale on all stock, but stressed that Main Street Music is not disappearing completely.

The owner said the decision had been made “with a heavy heart”, adding that the shop’s closure as a retail outlet would be a loss for Pembrokeshire as the county’s last professional guitar dealership.

He said his long-term passion had always been making musical instruments, something he had done since his teenage years, later receiving scholarships and a fellowship for his studies.

After college, he was given the opportunity to buy the business at the age of 24.

He said: “I have had an amazing time running this shop, giving it everything I’ve got, met some wonderful people and sold some incredible guitars.”

Although the business itself remains successful, he said tighter retail margins, dealership pressures and rising costs had made it difficult to grow in a way that would allow him to employ others and spend more time in the workshop.

The shop will eventually reopen as an appointment-only workshop and showroom for handmade guitars and repairs.

Current repair work will continue on a case-by-case basis by appointment only.

Main Street Music thanked customers for their support over recent years, saying the owner was proud of where the shop had been taken.

Caption:

Main Street Music will close as a retail shop from September 1, but will continue as an appointment-only workshop and showroom for handmade guitars and repairs.

News

Crackwell Street set to reopen after five-month closure

Published

55 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ROADWORKS linked to structural repairs at Goscar House in Tenby are nearing completion, with Crackwell Street expected to reopen to through traffic today (Wednesday, June 24).

Scaffolding has now been removed from the property, with contractors carrying out a general clearance of the area.

The road has been closed for around five months while structural repair work has been taking place.

Local residents, businesses and visitors are expected to welcome the reopening, with Crackwell Street forming an important route through the town.

Pembrokeshire County Council has indicated that, all being well, the road will reopen later today.

Gareth Davies, of Gareth Davies Photography Tenby, said it was “good to see the removal of scaffolding today and general clearance on the property”.

He added that locals and visitors would be “so pleased” to see the road open once again.

Photo caption:

Clearance work: Contractors at Crackwell Street, Tenby, as scaffolding is removed from Goscar House (Pic: Gareth Davies).