Employment down by 124 year-on-year with further monthly decline recorded in February

EMPLOYMENT in Pembrokeshire has fallen over the past year, with new figures showing a drop of 124 jobs compared with the same period in 2025.

Data for February 2026 reveals that 47,801 people were on payroll across the county, representing a 0.3% decrease year-on-year.

The latest monthly figures also show continued pressure on local businesses, with payroll numbers falling by 82 compared to January — a 0.2% drop.

The data, based on analysis of Office for National Statistics payroll figures by employment app WageSight, paints a mixed picture for the county’s labour market.

Compared with other Welsh local authorities, Pembrokeshire ranks 12th out of 22 for employment change, placing it in the lower half of performers.

The Herald understands that while some parts of Wales have seen modest job growth, others — including Pembrokeshire — continue to experience a squeeze on employment levels.

Paul Hebden, Director at WageSight said: “The latest figures underline the continued pressure on employment in Pembrokeshire. Payroll remains down compared with last year, and recent month-on-month data suggests employers are still cutting back.”

Nationally, employment trends remain uncertain, with fluctuations across different regions and sectors creating an unpredictable backdrop for businesses.

It remains unclear whether the recent decline marks the beginning of a longer-term trend or simply a short-term dip, but the figures suggest that employers in Pembrokeshire are continuing to act cautiously in the current economic climate.

Local pharmacy reports MenB vaccine shortage amid rising concern

PARENTS and carers across west Wales are being urged to check their children’s vaccination status following recent meningitis cases in the UK.

The warning comes as a local pharmacy has confirmed a shortage of the Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine, highlighting growing pressure on supplies.

Mendus Pharmacy said it currently has no availability of the vaccine due to what it described as a nationwide supply issue.

In a statement, the pharmacy said: “We would like to inform our patients that, due to ongoing supply issues, we currently have no availability of the Meningitis B vaccine.

“Unfortunately, this is a nationwide shortage and all stock is currently unavailable.

“We understand this may be particularly concerning given the recent outbreak reported in Kent, and we completely appreciate the importance of timely vaccination.”

The pharmacy confirmed it is operating a waiting list and will contact patients once supplies return.

Health officials say keeping vaccinations up to date remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness and reduce pressure on NHS services.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, urged parents to act.

She said: “Vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can protect children and young people from serious illness.

“Ensuring your child is fully vaccinated not only safeguards their health but also helps prevent the spread of infections within our communities.

“I strongly encourage all parents and carers to check their child’s vaccination status. If you are concerned that your child may have missed routine vaccinations, please speak to your GP.”

Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that can lead to meningitis or septicaemia. While many people recover, some are left with long-term physical, neurological or psychological complications. Around one in ten cases can be fatal.

Although the disease can affect anyone, babies, young children, teenagers and young adults are at greatest risk.

In Wales, vaccines protecting against meningococcal strains A, B, C, W and Y are offered as part of the NHS immunisation programme. Infants receive the MenB vaccine, while teenagers are offered the MenACWY vaccine.

Latest figures from the Health Board show that uptake among 16-year-olds for the MenACWY vaccine stands at 76.4%, meaning a significant number of young people remain unprotected as they approach adulthood.

For younger children, uptake of the MenB vaccine is higher but still below the recommended 95% target. Around 92.8% of infants are vaccinated by their first birthday, rising slightly to 91.8% by their second.

Health officials say these figures reflect strong engagement from families and primary care teams but stress that continued vigilance is needed.

Families are being advised to check their child’s vaccination record with their GP or by contacting the Health Board directly. Parents should also ensure babies receive their scheduled MenB doses and that teenagers receive their MenACWY and 3-in-1 booster vaccines, which are currently being delivered in schools.

Parents are also urged to remain alert to the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and to seek urgent medical advice if they have concerns.

Further information on symptoms is available via NHS 111 Wales.

Energy price shocks could delay cuts and raise prospect of further hikes

THE BANK OF ENGLAND has held interest rates at 3.75%, as rising tensions in the Middle East push up global energy prices and increase the risk of further inflation.

The decision by the Monetary Policy Committee reflects growing caution among policymakers, despite recent signs that inflation in the UK had been easing.

However, the escalating crisis in the Middle East has unsettled financial markets, with oil and gas prices climbing amid fears of supply disruption and instability along key shipping routes. Economists warn that sustained increases could quickly filter through to higher fuel, transport and manufacturing costs, as well as rising household energy bills.

Emeritus Professor Joe Nellis, economic adviser at accountancy firm MHA, said the latest developments have significantly reduced the likelihood of interest rate cuts in the near future.

He warned that policymakers are mindful of past criticism that central banks reacted too slowly to rising inflation in 2021 and 2022, when price pressures were initially dismissed as temporary.

“The Bank will want to stay ahead of inflation this time,” he said, adding that while current pressures may not yet be structural, officials are likely to act quickly if risks intensify.

The prospect of prolonged high interest rates presents challenges for businesses already grappling with increased operating costs. Higher borrowing costs are expected to weigh on investment, particularly in hiring, potentially weakening the labour market further.

Economists say that while holding rates steady avoids an immediate squeeze on borrowers, the wider outlook remains uncertain. Any sustained rise in energy costs could force the Bank to tighten monetary policy further in order to keep inflation under control.

For households and businesses hoping for a return to lower interest rates, expectations have now shifted, with rates likely to remain higher for longer — and the possibility of further increases still on the table.