Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates on the latest Labour Market Statistics

“These latest statistics clearly show the damaging impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on people across Wales.

“As a Welsh Government we are continuing to do all that we can to protect our businesses, our people and our economy during these difficult days. Our comprehensive package of business support, now worth more than £1.7bn, provides Welsh companies with access to the most generous offer of help anywhere in the UK. As part of this, we recently launched the third phase of our Economic Resilience Fund worth nearly £300m so more businesses could be supported through the firebreak and beyond.

“Our Economic Resilience Fund has already been crucial in helping more than 13,000 diverse businesses across Wales and has protected in excess of 100,000 jobs that might others wise have been lost in companies such as Sony in Bridgend, Anglesey-based Joloda Hydraroll and St Asaph company TRB Limited.

“We know businesses face continued pressures and need further assistance and we are continuing to explore further options for supporting firms through the pandemic and helping them prepare for life after the EU transition period has ended.

"We are also determined to keep on with our work to drive up skills levels across Wales and will be announcing plans to support the creation of new apprenticeship opportunities later this week as part of our £40m Covid commitment. Our dedicated Working Wales service is available as well to provide advice and guidance and referral to free skills and training support to people who have been made redundant or are at risk of losing their job.”