Unemployment rises to nearly 10,000 in Wales

UNEMPLOYMENT in Wales has risen sharply, while the rate of working-age adults classed as economically inactive remains one of the highest of any UK nation or region.

- SION BARRY

According to the ONS, unemployment in August to October was up 1.4% on the quarter in Wales to 6.1% (94,000 people) compared to 5.1% for the UK as a whole. Unemployment is at its highest rate since early 2021 and, outside the pandemic period, early 2016. The rate is only higher than Wales in London at 6.8%. In England it was 5.2%, Scotland 3.8% and Northern Ireland 2.4%.

The rate of economic inactivity, deemed as people not actively seeking employment, in Wales was 24.5% (477,000 people) compared to 21% for the UK as whole. While economic inactivity in Wales was down by 1.1% on May to June, it is only higher in Northern Ireland (27.5%) and the northeast of England (25%).

Janet Finch-Saunders, Conservative MS for Aberconwy, said: "Unfortunately, these figures come as no surprise. The UK Government has repeatedly increased taxes on businesses and working people, resulting in a stagnant economy and rising unemployment, particularly here in Wales. This was always the risk following Rachel Reeves' two Budgets, and these figures will cause real concern for working families and business owners alike.