News

Job advert sparks language row

Published

12 years ago

January 31, 2014

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has been forced to change an advert on its job page on its website after a letter from Cymdeithas yr Iaith.

The Welsh Language Society criticised a job advertisement saying it was factually wrong and an insult to the people of Pembrokeshire and the Welsh language.

In the advertisement Welsh is described as a first language only in some parts of North Pembrokeshire and said that council staff can learn some phrases as a “matter of courtesy“.

A member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in the area, Gwyndaf Tomos said: “It is outrageous that the Council has said such a thing. Is the Council suggesting that children in the south of the county do not need proper care and support in Welsh? The Welsh language is not just a language for parts of the north – it’s a language for the whole county. For fluent speakers, learners and everyone who wishes to live in Welsh.

“How can we take the Council seriously in anything if this is their attitude towards the Welsh language? It gives the impression that the Council considers the language to be nothing more than a matter of courtesy and that it only needs to be recognised with a few choice phrases.

He added: “We call on the Council to remove this advert immediately and re-advertise the post, making the language an essential requirement – and insist that the Leader of the Council and Cabinet spokesman for the Welsh language justify that such wording had been permitted in the first place.”

Bethan Williams, area officer Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Pembrokeshire said: “As we draw up a charter of calls for the county council, one of the main things we are calling on the council to do straight away is to ensure that new jobs where a member of staff deals with the public makes the language an essential requirement.

“The Welsh Government’s strategy ‘More Than Words’ should offer guidance in that respect, and should say clearly that care services in Welsh are essential to ensure a quality service for everyone.”

Soon after the row erupted, the County Council changed the job advert on their website.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

21 minutes ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

45 minutes ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.

News

Welsh Secretary holds first call with new First Minister

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Jo Stevens and Rhun ap Iorwerth discuss poverty, public services, clean energy, steelmaking and economic growth

WELSH Secretary Jo Stevens has held her first call with Wales’ new First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth following the recent Senedd election.

The call took place today, Monday (May 18), with Ms Stevens congratulating Mr ap Iorwerth on Plaid Cymru’s election results and his appointment as First Minister.

The Welsh Secretary said it was important for the UK and Welsh Governments to work constructively together on shared priorities.

Those issues include the cost of living, poverty, public services, economic growth and the delivery of clean energy infrastructure in Wales.

Ms Stevens also raised the importance of collaboration on Welsh steelmaking and the transition at Port Talbot, as well as growth funds, defence and national security.

The conversation follows a call last week between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the new First Minister, during which Mr Starmer also congratulated him on his appointment.

The Prime Minister has offered to meet Mr ap Iorwerth in person in June to discuss shared issues and priorities.