Unemployment in Wales falls to buck the UK trend

Media Release

Wednesday 11^th June

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Employment figures in Wales buck trend in face of global economic crisis

Welsh employment figures in the past year have risen twice as fast as the rest of the UK, a 1% rise to 72.5% compared to a 0.5% rise in the UK. Between February and April employment rose by 1.3% from the previous quarter, compared to no change in the UK as a whole. Inactivity levels in Wales have fallen by 29,000 from the previous quarter, double the fall in the UK. This shows the resilience of Wales and Welsh business as its contribution to labour market statistics improves overall UK figures.

In Cardiff West, constituency of Kevin Brennan MP, unemployment has fallen drastically since Labour came to power in 1997 with the level of people claiming job-seekers allowance falling by 57% from 3,102 to 1,322 compared to 49% in the UK. The level of long-term unemployment has also fallen by 93% from 1,205 to 80, compared to a fall of 82% in the UK as a whole.

Kevin Brennan: “These figures highlight the ever increasing position of Wales as a centre for business and commerce vis-à-vis the UK and the rest of Europe. Continuing reductions in the level of unemployment are especially promising in the face of economic uncertainty with falling house prices and rising oil prices. I welcome the work of the Welsh Assembly Government in achieving this reduction and look forward to further developments improving life in Wales.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Welsh Assembly Press Release

ONS Labour Market Statistics

ONS Labour Market Statistics Briefing Note

For more information contact:

Tim Windle

Telephone: 0207 219 3572

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