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Workers in Wales face £6,000 ‘comfort gap’ as living costs soar

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WORKERS in Wales say they now need to earn around £42,000 a year to live comfortably – some £6,000 more than the region’s average salary of £36,000, according to new research.

The findings, based on a survey of 5,000 UK professionals carried out as part of the annual salary guide produced by recruitment firm Reed, highlight the growing financial pressure facing employees across Wales.

Around 15% of workers in Wales said they were unhappy with their pay, with a third (33%) citing the rising cost of living as the main reason salaries no longer feel sufficient.

Becky Hole, Regional Director at Reed, said the results underline a widening gap between earnings and everyday living costs.

“Wales has always had a resilient workforce, but these findings highlight a growing disparity between what people earn and what they need to feel secure,” she said.

“The rising cost of essentials is biting hard, and for many people in the region the gap between income and expenditure is becoming increasingly difficult to bridge.”

The survey also suggests many households are left with very little spare income once essential bills are paid.

More than a quarter of workers in Wales (28%) said they have £100 or less remaining each month after covering necessities such as housing, food, and utilities. A further 9% said their entire salary is consumed by essential costs, leaving them with no disposable income at all.

On average, workers in Wales reported having around £601 per month remaining after essential bills.

The financial squeeze is also influencing career decisions. Reed’s research indicates that employees are becoming increasingly cautious about changing jobs, prioritising stability over risk during uncertain economic times.

“We are seeing a distinct trend in the Welsh job market where stability is becoming the new currency,” Ms Hole added.

“Employees are less inclined to take risks on new roles unless the financial reward is substantial. The data suggests people are prioritising secure employment and strong benefits packages over the unpredictability of changing jobs. For many, it is a time of consolidation rather than speculation.”

The research suggests employers hoping to recruit staff from competitors would need to offer an average pay increase of £10,729 to tempt workers to move. By contrast, an average pay rise of £3,532 would be enough to persuade many employees to stay with their current employer.

More than a quarter of respondents (27%) also said they would not be willing to give up workplace benefits in exchange for a higher salary.

Ms Hole said employers need to consider the wider package they offer staff if they want to attract and retain talent.

“For employers in Wales, this is a wake-up call to look at the total value proposition they offer,” she said.

“It is not just about the salary figure anymore – it is about providing a safety net. Benefits that support financial wellbeing, mental health, and work-life balance are becoming critical tools for retention and recruitment. Businesses that can offer this kind of holistic support will be the ones best placed to keep their talent during these challenging times.”

 

Business

Haverfordwest Pink Cat Shop building could be redeveloped

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PREVIOUSLY approved plans to convert a listed former clothes shop in Haverfordwest’s town centre to flats and a café have seen a fresh scheme presented, this time from the council.

Back in November 2023, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee approved an application by Mr B Roscoe to convert the Grade-II-listed Pink Cat Shop, 24 High Street, to six flats and a café.

The building was first listed in 1974, due to its “… special architectural interest as good late Georgian style terraced front, with surviving staircase and C18 rear wing”.

The property has a long commercial history dating back to 1901, with it being originally used by Tom Davies the clothier; in recent years the basement and ground floors have been used as a café, with the upper floors remaining vacant.

Agent Evans Banks Planning Limited had said the upper floors of the building have been vacant for some five years, and the building was marketed for sale for two years without interest.

After that successfully approved scheme, a similar application has now been submitted by Pembrokeshire County Council itself for the Pink Cat building, again through agent Evans Banks Planning Limited.

A supporting statement accompanying the latest listed building application “follows the same overarching principles of development and reuse of the existing building, seeking to deliver residential flats while retaining the character and significance of the listed asset”.

It adds: “Although there are some differences in the detailed design and layout, the proposed works remain comparable in nature and impact to the previously approved scheme and continue to represent an appropriate and sustainable form of development for the site.”

It says internal works on the previous scheme “are designed to be reversible and avoid harm to the historic fabric, ensuring that the architectural and historic significance of the listed building is preserved whilst enabling a sustainable and viable use”.

Referring to the latest proposal it says: “In terms of accommodation, the proposal seeks the partial conversion of the existing use of the building but will retain the commercial element at the ground floor frontage aspect of the building, to ensure that the property continues to make a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

The latest application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

 

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Business

Pembrokeshire Haverfordwest Merlins Terrace HMO plans

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A SCHEME to convert a Pembrokeshire town home to “well-designed shared accommodation” for five tenants has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Marcelina Morgan, through agent CCS Solutions Ltd, seeks permission for a change of use of a dwelling at Cleddau View, Merlins Terrace, Haverfordwest to a house in multiple occupation.

A supporting statement said the existing four-bed home would, if approved, become a five-bed multiple occupation unit with two bedrooms on the ground floor and three on the first.

It also includes internal alterations, refurbishment works, and minor external alterations to the property in the established residential area.

It added: “The proposal seeks to improve the quality and functionality of the existing property, delivering well-designed shared accommodation whilst retaining the existing building envelope.”

Of the development, it added: “The proposed development reuses an existing dwelling in a sustainable location, provides high-quality shared accommodation, involves minimal external alteration, maintains acceptable amenity standards, has no adverse highway impact, [and] delivers biodiversity enhancements.”

It said the scheme would not see any extensions, external enlargements, or increase in footprint, retaining the existing built form and site layout.

It also said the proposal “does not adversely affect any existing green infrastructure” and “provides measurable biodiversity enhancements through bird and bat boxes”.

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

 

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Business

Handcrafted garden furniture built to last across Pembrokeshire

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Cardigan-based Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd is winning customers with solid, comfortable and weather-resistant benches, tables and outdoor seating

A LOCAL garden furniture maker is bringing traditional craftsmanship, strength and style to outdoor spaces across Pembrokeshire and west Wales.

Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd, based next to Tivy Tyres on Station Road, Cardigan, specialises in handcrafted wooden benches, garden tables and outdoor seating built for real everyday use.

At a time when many garden furniture products are mass-produced and lightweight, the company has focused on making solid, heavy-duty pieces designed to last, with comfort, durability and practicality at the heart of every item.

Each bench, chair and table is individually made using high-quality structural timber and carefully finished to protect it from the weather. The result is garden furniture that feels substantial, looks attractive and is made to cope with life outdoors all year round.

BUILT PROPERLY

What sets Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd apart is the way each item is constructed.

Rather than relying on staples or nails, every piece is carefully screwed together for extra strength and long-term durability. The furniture is then finished with multiple coats of weather-resistant protection, helping it stand up to the elements while retaining its appearance.

The company uses Cuprinol Garden Shades finishes, offering customers a choice of attractive colours including Willow, Sage, Urban Slate and Seasoned Oak, along with more natural tones for those who prefer a classic timber look.

It means customers can choose furniture that not only suits their garden, patio or outdoor seating area, but also has the protection needed for the Welsh weather.

FROM BENCHES TO FAMILY TABLES

The current range includes a wide choice of practical and decorative outdoor furniture, all made with the same focus on strength and comfort.

Popular pieces include the Joycey Easy Sit Bench, designed to offer extra support and comfort, as well as single bench chairs, backless benches and a selection of heavy-duty garden tables.

The 3 Bar Heavy Duty Table is made for regular use, while the 5 Bar Medium and Large Tables are ideal for families, visitors, social gatherings and anyone looking to make more of their outdoor space.

Whether it is a quiet corner of the garden, a patio seating area, a holiday home, a campsite, a smallholding or a community space, the furniture is designed to be useful, strong and attractive.

LOCAL WORKSHOP

Customers are welcome to view the furniture in person by appointment at the company’s Cardigan workshop, located next to Tivy Tyres on Station Road, Pentood Industrial Estate.

The workshop also acts as a collection point for orders, giving customers the chance to see the quality of the furniture before taking it home.

Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd also attends local markets, where its benches and tables have become a familiar sight to shoppers looking for locally made outdoor furniture with a personal touch.

The business has built up a growing base of returning customers across Pembrokeshire, with many buyers coming back for additional pieces after seeing how well their first purchase performs.

Customer feedback has praised the comfort, solid construction and value for money, with repeat orders helping the company grow through word of mouth and local support.

MADE FOR OUTDOOR LIVING

As more people invest in their gardens and outdoor spaces, durable wooden furniture has become an increasingly popular choice.

For homeowners, the garden is no longer just somewhere to mow the lawn. It is a place to relax, entertain, enjoy the sunshine, spend time with family and make the most of the space around the home.

Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd is helping people do exactly that, with handcrafted furniture that combines strength, comfort and simple good looks.

From a single bench to a full outdoor seating set, each piece is made with care and designed to be used, enjoyed and relied upon.

For anyone looking for garden furniture that is locally made, properly built and designed to last, Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd offers a strong alternative to mass-produced outdoor furniture.

Customers can view the range by appointment at the workshop next to Tivy Tyres, Station Road, Cardigan, or look out for Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd at local markets across the area.

Telephone 07811 120503 Facebook Page: CLICK HERE

 

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