Wales Office
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Welsh Secretary welcomes fall in unemployment: Labour Market Statistics published today
The ILO surveys showed that the employment level and rate rose whilst the unemployment level and rate both fell slightly. The economic inactivity level and rates also decreased significantly.
Mrs Gillan said: “Last month’s statistics indicated that there had been some positive news, this is the second consecutive set of figures to show unemployment falling and employment rising and I welcome that.
“Whilst the unemployment rate remains unacceptably high at 9.0%, we are seeing some encouraging signs that things are improving. We do need to recognise however, that recovery from the worst deficit in peace-time history takes time. Yesterday, the Chancellor stated that we have a number of problems to confront in this country, but that dealing with our debts is one of our priorities and I echo that.
“I am fully committed to working together with the Welsh Government to maximise opportunities for businesses in Wales and very recently met with the Business and Enterprise Minister Ediwna Hart to discuss the issue. We need to do all we can to help promote Wales as a business destination. We have a workforce, a location and business knowledge to be proud of in Wales and I am confident that these factors remain a competitive and attractive choice for both domestic and international investors.”
Notes to editors:
- The employment rate in Wales was 68.5%, an increase of 0.8% from the last quarter
- The unemployment rate was 9.0%, a fall on the last quarter of 0.3%, but 0.7% higher than the same quarter of 2010
- The economic inactivity rate was 24.6%, a fall of 0.7% on last quarter and a fall of 1.3% on the same quarter last year
- Claimant count unemployment rate was 5.6% in January, a rise of 0.1% from December 2011 and 0.6% higher when compared with last year
- The Youth Claimant Count Unemployment level was 28,200, an increase of 3,600 on January 2011.
- The ILO (International Labour Organisation) unemployment is a count of those who are out of work and want a job, have actively sought work in the last 4 weeks and are available to start work in the nest two weeks; plus those who are out of work, have found a job and are waiting to start in the next 2 weeks.
