Business

Half of workers in Wales are expecting a pay rise this year

Published

4 years ago

June 4, 2022

WELSH workers have high expectations of being given a pay rise this year and are ready to push their employers to get it, as the cost of living rises sharply for many, reveals the ADP Research Institute’s People at Work 2022.

Half of workers in Wales (50%) say they are expecting a pay rise this year to help them cope with the rising cost of living, and a further half (52%) say they are willing to ask for a pay rise if they feel they deserve one, according to the survey of almost 33,000 workers in 17 countries.

Across the UK, Women are less likely to ask for a pay rise than men, with 47% and 64% respectively.

Those who classify themselves as essential workers are more likely to do so than those who describe themselves as non-essential workers (58% compared to 50%).

Interestingly, those who are working from home (61%) are more inclined to ask for a pay rise versus those who work on site or in the office (39%).

The findings come at a time when the cost of living is rising rapidly in the UK with an inflation at a 30-year record high, an energy cap crisis, and following two years of pandemic-related disruption to jobs.

The optimism is palpable. Half (50%) of workers in Wales expect to get a pay rise in the next 12 months, almost a third (32%) a promotion and three-in-ten (30%) a bonus. This comes at a time when (36%) expect to be given increased responsibility by bosses.

Overall, workers in Wales say pay is the most important factor to them in a job, with over half (57%) saying it is a priority.

This is followed by job security (41%), flexibility over their hours (36%) and enjoyment of their work (32%).

The report explores employees’ attitudes towards the current world of work and what they expect and hope for from the workplace of the future.

Sirsha Halder, General Manager UK & Ireland, ADP, said: “Having worked hard through the strains of the pandemic, and with spiraling inflation creating a widespread cost of living crisis, many workers feel they need and are entitled to a raise. The vast majority are prepared to speak up to get one.”

“Employers should bear this in mind in today’s tight labour market, where maintaining a secure and stable skilled workforce is paramount, and more challenging than ever.”

“Pay is an even more pressing issue than normal right now and it is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future, with a clear knock-on effect on recruitment and retention.”

“Employers will have to reconcile that drive for higher wages with their own commercial imperatives, and with meeting workers’ requirements on other fronts, such as giving them the flexibility they also dearly want.”

One reason that workers may feel they deserve a pay rise is the number of extra hours of unpaid work many of them are doing, for example by starting early, staying late or working over breaks.”

“On average, workers in Wales are working an additional 8.0 hours of unpaid overtime each week. This is less than in 2021 (when the global average was 9.2 hours), but it is still higher than before the pandemic in 2020, when workers undertook an average of 7.3 extra unpaid hours per week.”

“However, at the same time, 53% of workers in Wales say they would like more hours for more pay if available. ”

Sirsha says, “Given that so many workers are keen to put in more time in order to increase their income, it’s debatable how long they will continue to give away the equivalent of a day’s work for free to their employers, with no questions or compensation asked.”

“In the current climate where there are so many pressures on workers – financial and otherwise – it is surely unsustainable to have so many people working well over their contracted hours for free.”

Business

Activate West Wales expands its team with appointment of Business Manager

Published

10 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

ACTIVATE WEST WALES, which drives sports and wellbeing collaboration across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, has appointed Marie Sture as its new Business Manager.

Marie brings more than 10 years’ experience across the Pembrokeshire countryside, conservation, and visitor experience sectors, having worked with organisations including the National Trust, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Her work background spans operational support, compliance, health and safety, finance and stakeholder engagement, alongside experience contributing to senior leadership and regional working groups.

Marie joins the Activate West Wales team, which is working closely with local authorities, health boards and wider sector partners to encourage cross-sector cooperation, to increase engagement in sport, physical activity and active recreation so that it can become part of normal everyday life for everyone nearly four months since it released its State of the Region report, which gave an insight into the sports participation in the region.

Marie, a native of Pembroke Dock, will play a key role in advancing Activate West Wales’ ambition to create healthier, happier communities across the region, regardless of age, background or ability.

On her appointment Marie said “I’m delighted to begin working with a team that is so committed to making a positive difference to people’s lives. Throughout my career across the conservation and visitor experience sectors, I’ve developed a strong passion for creating opportunities that support people’s wellbeing. I’m really looking forward to bringing that experience into this role and working with partners to help build healthier, more active communities across West Wales.”

Marie adds: “Spending time away from screens and being active can be incredibly rewarding. I love getting out with my children and supporting them to take part in sport, it’s been amazing to see how it’s boosted their confidence and helped develop their social skills. Even simple activities like this can bring a real sense of happiness and are so important for overall wellbeing.”

Jamie Rewbridge, CEO of Activate West Wales, said on Marie’s appointment: “We’re delighted to welcome Marie to Activate West Wales. She brings a wealth of experience working with local communities and partners, and we’re confident she will make a significant contribution to our efforts of making physical activity part of everyday life, for everyone across West Wales. Her appointment strengthens our ability to support healthier, happier communities across the region.”

Business

New showroom for car dealership approved by county planners

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a new showroom for a Pembrokeshire car dealership which has recently acquired a new Isuzu vehicle franchise, have been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Gareth Hughes Motors of 25 Burton Road, Sardis, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought permission to replace a temporary canopy with fixed permanent mini-showroom.

A supporting statement said: “Gareth Hughes Motors is a family run enterprise, established in 1982. In order for the business to respond to the latest technological advancements, especially those related to the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles, additional space and different resources will be required.

“Approval of this application will assist in the delivery of these required resources, associated staff training and recruitment for the servicing of electric vehicles will also lead to the retention and provision of skilled employment.”

It says the extension will be designed to allow sufficient space to display Isuzu vehicles, an additional motor franchise recently acquired by the dealership, with no changes proposed to the existing access from the C3007 as the mini-showroom would take place to the rear of the site and replace an existing canopy structure.

It added: “The environmental impacts from the proposal are minimal as the replacement structure takes place on a concreted/bitumac surface which is currently used for the parking of cars. In addition, the design and use of materials complements that of the current showroom and repair shop and by the addition of a bird and bat box on the south-east of the proposed extension.

“The proposed new mini-showroom will accommodate a maximum of two vehicles and would take place to the rear/side of the site and would be constructed in materials which complement those of the existing showroom and service bays.

“Although Gareth Hughes Motors is located within a group of residential properties it is considered that there will be no significant negative impacts on those neighbouring properties because of their distance from the application site, the orientation of the buildings.

“The securing of an additional franchise at this Sardis site will both help secure the future of the existing staff and create opportunities for additional employment in the motor trade.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

Business

The Cheesecake Guy Ltd plans withdrawn following community council objections

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for what could have been the third store in the country for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd at Saundersfoot’s Coal Building interpretation centre have been withdrawn.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd sought a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.

On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.

“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”

While no supporting statement was published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application said the scheme, if approved, would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.

Of the scheme itself it said it would involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.

If approved, the Saundersfoot site would have been the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.

For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”

Since the application was submitted, Saundersfoot Community Council objected “on the basis that the harbour is diluting the original intention of this area, which was designed to be an educational section of the development”.

The application is now, as of June 19, marked as withdrawn.