News

AM welcomes record Jobs Growth Wales success

Published

11 years ago

January 6, 2014

REBECCA EVANS AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has welcomed newly published figures which show the Welsh Labour Government’s flagship youth employment programme, Jobs Growth Wales achieving record results, with 96% of graduates securing work after leaving the programme.

The figures show that Jobs Growth Wales, which is part funded by the European Social Fund, has so far created 9,345 job opportunities, with 7,748 young people filling these jobs. The figures also show high levels of sustained employment amongst young people who complete their 6 month opportunities. The figures, which for the first time have been broken down into the programme’s different strands, show that 96 per cent of young people who have taken part in the graduate strand progressed immediately into sustained employment.

Mrs Evans said: “These new figures show that Jobs Growth Wales continues to go from strength to strength.

“As well as creating much needed job opportunities for unemployed young graduates during tough economic times, Jobs Growth Wales is also helping Welsh businesses to grow because every job created is a new post which allows the business to expand.”

It is not just graduates who have benefited from the scheme. Young people taking part in the Third (voluntary) sector strand also experienced high levels of sustained employment upon completing a six month opportunity.

Sixty eight per cent remained in work, or went into an apprenticeship or further learning when they left the programme.

Mrs Evans said: “From the outset of the scheme I was clear that disabled young people and young people who may need more intensive support in work should be able to reap the rewards of Jobs Growth Wales. I am glad that the new figures show that this is happening.”

The self-employment strand of Jobs Growth Wales also remains well ahead of target, with 173 young people who have taken part.

Mrs Evans said: “I am glad that Jobs Growth Wales is also supporting young entrepreneurs to turn their business dreams a reality.”

In the programme’s largest strand, the private sector strand, 78 per cent of young people progressed into sustained employment, an apprenticeship or further learning upon completing a six month opportunity, maintaining the record high recorded in the previous month.

The latest figures come as work accelerates on a new Work Programme specifically for care leavers, young people still in care and young people who have offended. The Moving Forward scheme will use £3.4 million from dormant bank accounts to create 440 job opportunities for vulnerable young people.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

23 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!