News
£17m European project to support Welsh jobseekers
WELSH GOVERNMENT Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, has announced a £10 million EU investment for a £17 million initiative to help people affected by redundancy back into work.
The announcement of the new ReAct 3 programme, delivered by the Welsh Government, will be made during the Minister’s address to an audience of senior EU representatives, members of the European Parliament and pan- European businesses at a reception in Brussels to mark St David’s Day.
The EU investment will help support up to 8,000 people affected by or facing redundancy in West Wales and the Valleys over the next three years – adding value to the service offered by Job Centre Plus and Careers Wales. The EU funding is part of a wider package of support, including Welsh Government and private sector funding, which will enable the ReAct programme to continue to be available across Wales.
Support will be targeted at people who are prevented from securing alternative employment through a lack of skills required by recruiting employers, and will fund the training cost of acquiring those skills as well as providing assistance towards travel, childcare and accommodation.
This new ReAct 3 programme builds on the success of the previous ReAct programme. Over 27,000 job-seekers and almost 2,000 employers between 2007 and 2014 were supported through the programme, resulting in 20,000 people achieving new qualifications and over 12,000 regaining employment.
Welsh Government Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, said: ‘EU funds continue to play a vital role in strengthening the Welsh economy and improving the prospects of the labour market.
‘During the next six years Wales will benefit from nearly £2 billion of EU funds that will be specifically targeted at creating jobs, supporting business and providing opportunities for people to develop new skills and careers.
‘I’m delighted that EU funds will support the next phase of the highly successful ReAct programme, ensuring that people will receive maximum support to develop their skills and re-enter employment as quickly as possible.’
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, added: ‘The ReAct programme has already helped thousands of job-seekers and employers in Wales and I’m delighted that we will be able to support even more.
ReAct has a two pronged approach to addressing unemployment. It supports employers to take on people who have been made redundant and provides funds to support those looking for work after losing their job.
‘This practical approach is another example of our commitment to improving and supporting the Welsh economy.’
During her visit to Brussels, the Finance Minister will meet with senior representatives of the European Commission and attend a business lunch hosted by Swansea University to mark the progress of the new Swansea Bay innovation campus.
The University’s new Science and Innovation campus is being developed with extensive EU support including a financial package of £60 million through the European Investment Bank and £40 million in European Structural Funds, on top of a direct Welsh Government investment of £15 million.
When fully developed, the new campus will generate around £3 billion of economic impact over a 10-year period.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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