Welsh Secretary gives cautious welcome to latest employment statistics
Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan has given a cautious welcome to the latest Labour Market Statistics published today, which show a…
Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan has given a cautious welcome to the latest Labour Market Statistics published today, which show a rise in the number of people in work in Wales and a continued fall in the economic inactivity rate and level in Wales.
Figures for the three months from December 2010 to February 2011 show the employment level in Wales rose by 2,000 from the last quarter to 1.334million.
Meanwhile, the economic inactivity rate in Wales fell by 0.5% on the last quarter to 25.7% and the economic inactivity level dropped by 9,000 on the previous three month, to 487,000.
Mrs Gillan said: “I welcome the rise in the number of people in work and the fall in the economic inactivity rate. However, the small rise in unemployment suggests the economic recovery remains fragile.
“We must remain cautious despite these promising signs, as the latest statistics show we need to redouble efforts to stop the rise in unemployment. That is why we must continue to work together across governments to address this. The UK Government and Welsh Assembly Government both have a responsibility to create the right conditions for economic growth, investment and jobs in Wales and we will continue to send a clear message that work pays.”