Minister for Economy, Ken Skates on the latest Labour Market Statistics

“While it is encouraging that unemployment in Wales remains below the UK rate, today’s figures are again a stark reminder of the severe impact coronavirus continues to have on our people, our businesses and our economy.

“We are continuing to do everything in our power to protect firms and jobs from the effects of the pandemic, whilst also helping people to find new employment. Our Welsh Government package of business support is the most generous and comprehensive in the UK and has already seen more than £1.7bn reach the bank accounts of businesses across Wales. This support has protected in excess of 125,000 jobs that might otherwise have been lost.

“More funding is continuing to reach businesses each day and later this week we will outline details of a further £200m being made available by the Welsh Government to support Welsh firms and safeguard Welsh jobs.

“We are also calling on the UK Government to provide further certainty to businesses and individuals by assuring that support available through interventions such as the Job Retention Scheme will not be withdrawn before the economy is ready.”