WIREDGOV

Economy Secretary, Ken Skates has welcomed latest statistics which show the employment rate of 16 to 64 year olds in Wales is on the up and is growing fastest in the West Wales and the Valleys.

According to the latest Annual Population Survey statistics the employment rate of 16 to 64 year olds in Wales had  risen to 71.2 percent at the end of 2016, an increase of 1.0 percentage points on the previous year. 

West Wales and the Valleys experienced the highest regional increase in employment rate, with an increase of 1.6 percentage points on the previous year. 

Welcoming the news, the Economy Secretary said: 

“These latest statistics are very encouraging,   showing an improving employment rate, particularly in West Wales and the Valleys. 

“As a Government we are continuing to work hard   to ensure the right economic conditions to create and safeguard sustainable jobs throughout Wales – something that is more important than ever in these turbulent times. 

“Earlier this month I  set out my plans for taking a  new approach to developing the economy of each region of Wales more fully. 

I want to grow the regional economies of Wales and unleash their potential to drive more balanced growth across the whole of the country so we can deliver  better jobs closer to home and ensure every area of Wales becomes more resilient to the economic challenges we expect to face over the next few years.”