Unemployment rate in Wales falls below the UK average

18 Oct 2017 02:05 PM

Alun Cairns comments on the latest job figures which show that unemployment rates have dropped in Wales.

Alun Cairns has welcomed the latest job figures which show that unemployment rates in Wales have dropped in the last quarter and are now below the rest of the UK.

The statistics show:

• The unemployment level is down 11,000 over the quarter. The rate in Wales is now 4%, which is below the UK average of 4.3%
• The employment level in Wales is down 13,000 (0.1 percentage points) on the quarter. The employment rate is now 72.5%, which is still below the UK average (75.1%)
• Economic inactivity is up 11,000 (0.6 percentage points) on the quarter and up 21,000 (1.1 percentage points) on the year.
• Total employment for the UK is up 94,000 (0.2 percentage points) on the quarter and up 317,000 (0.7 percentage points) on the year. The employment rate is now 75.1%
• Total UK unemployment is down 52,000 (0.2 percentage points) on the quarter and down 215,000 (0.7 percentage points) on the year. The unemployment rate is now 4.3%, the joint lowest it has been since 1975

Secretary of State Alun Cairns said:

It is great to see the unemployment rate in Wales fall below the UK average. The UK Government is working hard to create the right conditions for economic growth, investment and jobs in Wales and this month’s statistics demonstrate the strength of the Welsh economy.

There is, however, more that needs to be done to increase the rate of employment. I’m convinced that increasing exports to new markets will not only grow the Welsh economy but will create jobs across Wales. I’m doing everything I can to help companies in Wales maximise their exporting potential.