Unemployment rates continue to drop and are now at the same level as the rest of the UK
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 at the same level as the rest of the UK.
The statistics show:
- The unemployment level is down 8,000 over the quarter. The rate in Wales is now 4.3%, the same as the UK as a whole.
- The employment level in Wales is down 13,000 (0.6 percentage points) on the quarter. The employment rate is now 72.4%, below the UK average (which is 75.3%)
- Economic inactivity is up 18,000 (1.0 percentage points) on the quarter and up 10,000 (0.6 percentage points) on the year. The inactivity rate is now 24.2%, still above the UK average (which is 21.1%)
- Total employment for the UK is up 181,000 (0.5 percentage points) on the quarter and up 379,000 (0.8 percentage points) on the year. The employment rate is now 75.3%, a record high.
- Total UK unemployment is down 75,000 (0.2 percentage points) on the quarter and down 175,000 (0.5 percentage points) on the year. The unemployment rate is now 4.3%, the lowest it has been since 1975
Secretary of State Alun Cairns said:
These latest figures show good progress on bringing the unemployment rate down but more still needs to be done to increase the rate of employment.
The UK Government is determined to continue to develop the right conditions for economic growth, investment and jobs in Wales.
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.