Number of Jobseeker's allowance claimants in Wales falls for the 23rd consecutive month
Stephen Crabb: "We need to keep working hard to see the positive long term trend in employment continue."
Employment in Wales has increased by 3,000 over the three months October to December 2014 – however unemployment increased by 2,000 over the same period – official figures published today (18 February) from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show.
The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in Wales fell by 2,100 in January this year – the 23rd consecutive monthly fall.
Since 2010, there are 41,000 more people in work and 26,500 fewer people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb said:
It’s clear from these latest figures that we need to keep working hard to see the positive long term trend in employment continue.
We’ve always said that the road to recovery is not straightforward and there are still challenges in securing long term growth across all parts of the country.
That’s why I’m spending two days this week in North Wales talking to the businesses that are creating jobs and finding out what more support they need from the Government to keep growing.
Alongside that, our welfare reforms are giving more people the confidence and skills they need to move into work and build a better life for their families.
So it has never been more important that we stick to the plan and aren’t diverted from the path to long-term economic recovery.