OREANDA-NEWS. August 13, 2015. The Welsh labour market is going from strength to strength, Wales Office Minister, Alun Cairns said today, as employment figures reveal a record number of people in work across Wales.

The latest labour market statistics published by the Office for National Statistics today (12 August) have revealed that the employment level in Wales has increased by 42,000 over the last quarter alone.

The statistics also show:

  • Employment in Wales has increased by more than any other UK nation or region over the last quarter and is now at a record high
  • The proportion of 16-64 year olds in employment in Wales has never been higher
  • Unemployment levels in Wales have decreased by 9,000 over the last quarter
  • Economic inactivity fell more in Wales than any of the UK nations or regions - down by 29,000 over the quarter
  • The claimant count fell by 300 in July over the month, and fell 10,800 over the year
  • The youth claimant count fell by 3,700 over the year
  • Average gross weekly earnings in Wales have increased by more than the rate of inflation – up 4.4 per cent over the last year

Wales Office Minister Alun Cairns said:

Today’s record employment figures confirm that our long-term economic plan is delivering for people at every stage of their lives, right across Wales.

We now have more people in work than ever before, and are seeing a continued fall in the number of young people out of work. Added to the fall in economic inactivity and unemployment levels, there can be no doubt that this one nation Government is honouring its commitment to ensure the economic recovery is felt by all sections of society.

The UK Government has today launched the ‘WE Can’ campaign – an initiative aimed to support young people to make the most of their summer holidays, by incorporating work experience into their career plans.

Alun Cairns added:

“A CV bolstered with examples of work experience can have a significant impact on any future employment opportunities for young people. In providing these opportunities, we can create a generation which is eager, skilled and better prepared for the world of work.

“That is why we are urging young people across Wales to seize every opportunity they have to gain on-the-job experience this summer and get their feet on that all important first rung of the employment ladder.”